What are the differences between drum brakes and disc brakes?
4 Answers
The differences between drum brakes and disc brakes are: 1. Different principles: Drum brakes use hydraulic pressure to push pistons, causing the brake shoes to press against the inner wall of the wheel to achieve braking; Disc brakes use a hydraulic pump to push the brake caliper, applying force to the brake pads to achieve braking. 2. Different components: Drum brakes consist of a brake backing plate, brake wheel cylinder, and brake shoes; Disc brakes are hydraulically controlled, with main components including the brake disc, wheel cylinder, brake caliper, and oil pipe. Conditions for replacing drum brakes: 1. If brakes are used frequently, consider replacing drum brakes after the vehicle has traveled 80,000 kilometers; 2. If brakes are not used frequently, consider replacing drum brakes after the vehicle has traveled 100,000 kilometers; 3. If a squeaking sound is heard when using the brakes, immediately go to a maintenance center to check the brake system and replace the drum brakes.
I've been in this industry for over a decade, and there are quite a few differences between drum brakes and disc brakes. Let's start with the structure: drum brakes are hidden inside the wheel, like a round drum, where the brake shoes press against the drum wall to create friction and slow down; disc brakes have an external disc, and the caliper clamps it tightly for braking. In terms of performance, drum brakes are low-cost and provide strong initial braking force, but they dissipate heat poorly, making them prone to overheating and failure on mountain roads or during continuous braking. Disc brakes dissipate heat better, respond faster, and are much more stable on wet or slippery roads, offering significantly higher safety. For maintenance, drum brakes require wheel removal to inspect the shoes, which is troublesome and time-consuming; disc brakes allow for quick and easy pad replacement. Price-wise, drum brakes are cheaper and more economical, commonly used on the rear wheels of budget cars. Disc brakes are more expensive but offer reliable performance, making them a worthwhile investment. Additionally, there's a weight difference—disc brakes are lighter, making them more suitable for the front wheels of modern cars. I recommend car owners understand these differences clearly and consider their usage scenarios when choosing a vehicle.
Working in the repair shop every day, I've seen plenty of differences between drum brakes and disc brakes. Drum brakes have a simple internal design where the brake shoes press against the drum surface, offering strong braking force but poor heat dissipation—frequent braking on downhill slopes can easily lead to heat fade, which means brake failure. Disc brakes consist of a rotor and caliper, dissipating heat quickly, providing stable braking, and responding more accurately during emergency stops. In terms of usage, drum brakes are suitable for cost-sensitive vehicles, such as older models or the rear wheels of trucks, while disc brakes are commonly used in performance cars or front wheels. Maintenance differs significantly: drum brakes require disassembly for inspection, making wear assessment difficult, whereas disc brakes allow direct visibility of the brake rotor, enabling faster and more labor-efficient part replacement. In terms of lifespan, disc brake pads wear more evenly, while drum brake shoes are prone to deformation. Price-wise, disc brakes are more expensive, but the long-term safety benefits justify the cost. Also, there's a weight difference: disc brakes are lighter, improving fuel efficiency. My advice to friends is to prioritize disc brake systems.
I believe the core difference between drum brakes and disc brakes lies in performance and cost. Drum brakes have a structure hidden inside the wheel, being cheap and practical but with poor heat dissipation, leading to longer braking distances at high temperatures. Disc brakes feature an open caliper and rotor design, offering better heat dissipation, responsive braking, and reliable safety. In terms of maintenance, drum brakes are complex, time-consuming, and costly; disc brakes are simpler and easier to inspect. As a car owner, if budget is tight, drum brakes on the rear wheels can save money; disc brakes enhance braking efficiency, especially on mountain roads or in rain and snow. Weight-wise, disc brakes are lighter and more fuel-efficient. Prioritize safety with disc brakes.
