What are the differences between expanding brakes and drum brakes?
3 Answers
Here are the differences between expanding brakes and drum brakes: Difference in sound: Expanding brakes produce loud and harsh braking noises, notorious as an ear killer. Most electric vehicles on the road today use this type of brake, which offers poor braking performance. Originally designed for bicycles, they perform adequately on bicycles but only moderately on electric vehicles. Drum brakes, once the brake pads are properly worn in, operate silently. Difference in performance: Drum brakes offer better braking performance and are commonly used on motorcycles with a displacement of 125cc. They are also cost-effective, providing good value for money. Once engaged, the wheels do not move in any direction, ensuring safety, making them very suitable for electric vehicles. Disc brakes provide excellent braking performance and are used on high-displacement motorcycles and sports cars (including four-wheeled vehicles). Once engaged, like drum brakes, the wheels do not move.
The difference between disc brakes and drum brakes is quite significant, mainly in terms of structure and performance. Drum brakes have a drum-shaped housing enclosing the brake shoes, featuring a simpler structure and lower cost, which is why many economy cars use them on the rear wheels. However, they have poor heat dissipation, making them prone to overheating during prolonged braking, which can affect braking performance. On the other hand, disc brakes consist of an exposed metal rotor clamped by brake calipers, offering much better heat dissipation, faster response, and more stable performance under frequent braking or high-speed conditions without the same level of fade as drum brakes. I've also noticed that disc brakes are easier to maintain—just replacing the brake pads does the job—while drum brakes require dismantling the entire drum, making the process more time-consuming. In rainy or snowy conditions, disc brakes provide better water drainage and more linear braking feel, offering greater confidence when driving on mountain roads or in congested urban areas. As for drawbacks, disc brakes are initially more expensive to install, but they offer better long-term durability.
I've been driving for many years and can clearly feel the difference in driving experience between disc brakes and drum brakes. When driving a car with drum brakes, like some older or budget models, the braking feels soft and somewhat delayed, especially during long descents or emergency stops when they tend to smoke a bit due to poor heat dissipation. Disc brakes, on the other hand, are much more responsive—light pressure gives immediate feedback, and the braking distance is shorter, making them safer during sharp turns or high-speed overtaking. I've also noticed that drum brakes are cost-effective for maintenance with cheaper parts, but new brake pads require a longer break-in period, whereas disc brakes hardly need any. During rainy days, I've tested that disc brakes slip less thanks to their well-designed drainage holes, while drum brakes can accumulate water, leading to rust or strange noises. Personally, I prefer cars with all-disc brakes—they're less stressful to drive and significantly safer.
