Why Does Drum Brake Make Noise When Braking?
3 Answers
Drum brakes make noise when braking because they work through intense friction. Here are the detailed reasons why drum brakes produce noise: 1. Cause: The working mechanism of drum brakes is relatively violent, leading to a higher failure rate. Vehicles equipped with disc brakes are more likely to produce noise, while drum brakes have a relatively lower probability. 2. Function: Drum brakes provide effective braking performance. As the brake shoes expand outward, the rotating wheel causes the expanding brake drum to twist at an angle, thereby reducing the wheel's rotation speed.
I've been driving for over ten years, and squeaking from drum brakes is really common. The most frequent cause is rust on the brake drum surface—moisture left after rain or car washing leads to rust, creating a sandpaper-like sound when braking. Additionally, if the brake shoes are worn too thin or have debris stuck in them, it can also cause unusual noises. I once delayed dealing with it, and a small noise turned into a bigger one—it turned out to be loose internal parts, which nearly caused an accident by affecting braking distance. I learned my lesson: regular quarterly inspections and maintenance, cleaning the drum and replacing the shoes, can prevent major issues with just a small cost. Safety always comes first—don’t slack off, find a reliable repair shop and get it fixed promptly.
I'm a young driver who just learned to drive, and I was quite scared when I first heard the brakes squeaking. Later, I asked experienced drivers, and they said drum brakes often make this noise due to rust on the brake drum, especially after rainy days or parking in an open garage. Additionally, worn-out brake pads can also cause noise, and accumulated dust inside can lead to uneven friction, making it even louder. I thought it was pretty simple—now that I know, I’ll just go to the repair shop to get it checked. Don’t be like my friend who waited until the noise got louder before fixing it; by then, the braking performance was really poor. Paying attention to keeping the garage dry after driving can reduce the chance of rust—just make it a habit.
