Understanding Drum Brakes: A Crucial Car Component

“Better safe than sorry” is a timeless adage, especially pertinent when it comes to road safety. A vehicle’s braking system, with the drum brake as a key component, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of you and others on every journey. What exactly are drum brakes? How do they work, and what should you keep in mind when using them? Let’s delve into the details with Hanoi Trucks.

What Are Drum Brakes?

Drum brakes are a type of braking system commonly found on the rear wheels of trucks, pickups, and some smaller passenger vehicles.

Structure and Operating Principle

Shaped like a drum, this component is typically made of cast iron or steel and is fixed to the wheel. Inside the drum brake are brake shoes, a wheel cylinder, and return springs.

When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is forced into the wheel cylinder, pushing the brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum. This friction slows down and stops the wheel. When the brake pedal is released, the return springs retract the brake shoes to their original position.

Drum brake components

Advantages and Disadvantages of Drum Brakes

Advantages:

• Cost-effective: Compared to disc brakes, drum brakes are more affordable, making them suitable for trucks and pickups where practicality is prioritized.
• Simple Design, Easy Maintenance: Repairing and replacing drum brakes is generally easier than disc brakes. Services are readily available at auto repair shops across Hanoi, including districts like Cau Giay, Long Bien, and Gia Lam.
• Long Lifespan: Drum brakes boast a considerable lifespan, potentially reaching 100,000 km depending on operating conditions and product quality.

Disadvantages:

• Poor Heat Dissipation: Enclosed within the drum, brake shoes have less effective heat dissipation compared to disc brakes. This can lead to brake fade during hard or frequent braking.
• Lower Braking Performance: Compared to disc brakes, drum brakes offer lower overall performance, especially on slippery roads.

Drum Brake Price List

The price of drum brakes varies depending on the vehicle make, model, and product quality. Below is a sample price list:

Important Considerations When Using Drum Brakes

• Regularly inspect drum brakes and brake shoes to ensure they are in good working condition and free from wear or damage. Schedule maintenance at reputable auto repair shops, such as Hanoi Trucks on Nguyen Van Linh Street, Long Bien District, for timely inspection and replacement.
• Avoid hard or frequent braking to prevent brake fade.
• Choose high-quality brake shoes that are compatible with the drum brake type and operating conditions.

Replacing a drum brake

Frequently Asked Questions About Drum Brakes:

1. When should drum brakes be replaced?

Drum brake replacement is recommended when:

• The drum surface is worn beyond the permissible limit.
• Cracks or fractures appear on the drum surface.
• The drum is warped or deformed.

2. What type of brake shoes should be used with drum brakes?

Choose high-quality brake shoes made of suitable materials and compatible with the drum brake type and vehicle operating conditions. Consult technicians at truck dealerships like Thaco Truong Hai, Hyundai Dong Do Thanh, or reputable auto repair shops for recommendations.

3. How to ensure safe braking with drum brakes?

• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Avoid hard or frequent braking, especially when driving downhill.
• Regularly inspect the braking system.

How to Purchase from Hanoi Trucks

For inquiries about drum brakes or other products like drum brake assemblies or parking brakes, please contact Hanoi Trucks:

• Address: No. 1, Le Van Luong Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi (near the Le Van Luong – Hoang Minh Giam intersection)
• Hotline: 0987.654.321

Conclusion

Drum brakes are a crucial component that directly impacts your safety and the safety of others on the road. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into drum brakes. Drive safely and always remember that “prevention is better than cure”!