What is a Drum Brake in Cars?

[SanNatalie]

A drum brake in cars is a braking device that uses stationary brake shoes inside the brake drum to create friction against the rotating brake drum attached to the wheel, thereby reducing the wheel's rotation speed. This cast iron component, resembling a tambourine, is also known as a brake drum. The main components of a drum brake include: the brake backing plate, wheel cylinder, brake shoes with related linkages, springs, pins, and the brake drum itself. Drum brakes typically require replacement around 60,000 kilometers. The working principle involves the brake drum being fixed to and rotating at the same speed as the tire. During braking, hydraulic pressure pushes the brake shoes to contact the inner edge of the brake drum, generating friction to resist the tire's rotation and achieve braking.

[LilahLee]

The drum brake is the rear wheel braking system I often refer to, which resembles a metal drum fixed to the wheel, with a pair of brake shoes connected by springs inside. When you press the brake, hydraulic pressure pushes the shoes to expand, creating friction against the inner wall of the drum to slow the car down. Its biggest advantages are simplicity, affordability, and durability. I drove an older car for several years, and it was cost-effective and quick to repair. However, the downside is poor heat dissipation, making it prone to overheating, and reduced braking performance after rain when water accumulates, potentially increasing stopping distance. Therefore, it's essential to regularly check the wear on the brake shoes. If you hear unusual noises or feel a lack of braking power, it's time to adjust or replace the parts. Nowadays, most new cars use disc brakes for quicker response, but budget cars or certain models still rely on drum brakes, which remain reliable for daily commuting.

[BeauRose]

When doing DIY car maintenance, I always enjoy inspecting drum brake components. This system consists of a brake drum, shoes, and wheel cylinder, designed compactly for easy self-adjustment or replacement. After each car wash, I remove the cover to clean out dust since excessive buildup reduces friction efficiency; replace the shoes if they're worn too thin, and just tighten the springs if they're loose. Compared to disc brakes, drum brakes are more cost-effective, with lower material costs and suitability for DIY. But remember not to drive long distances on rough roads, as performance may degrade under high temperatures. I recommend quickly checking the shoe clearance monthly to ensure safe braking without compromise. For car owners who enjoy self-service, this is an entry-level joy of car repair.

[McGeorge]

As a safety-conscious veteran driver, I pay attention to the practicality of drum brakes. They are a traditional braking method with a sturdy structure but insufficient heat dissipation. During frequent braking, such as when going downhill, heat buildup can easily lead to reduced performance, and water accumulation in rainy weather may also cause sluggishness. Nowadays, newer models mostly use disc brakes for faster response and greater safety, but drum brakes are still used for rear wheels, especially in economy cars. When driving, I avoid overloading to prevent increased stress and overheating; for daily maintenance, simply replacing the brake shoe powder is sufficient. Overall, they are reliable as long as properly maintained, but extra caution is needed during rainy seasons—drive at low speeds and don't ignore wear signals from the brake pads.

[DelKira]

From an automotive technology perspective, I've studied the evolution of drum brakes. Originating in last century's vintage cars, they operate on a simple friction principle: brake shoes press against the inner drum wall to stop the vehicle. Their advantages include low cost and minimal maintenance, making them suitable for budget models. However, compared to disc brakes, they dissipate heat slower and respond more sluggishly, which is why modern premium vehicles have phased them out. Having driven cars with drum brakes, I found them sufficiently efficient for city driving, but less reliable than disc brakes at high speeds or under heavy loads. Regular adjustment of the clearance can extend their lifespan, a task simple enough to do yourself without professional tools. While technological advancements have popularized disc brakes, drum brakes remain common in entry-level vehicles, demonstrating their economic practicality.