Types & Working of Drum Brake

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Drum Brake

What is Drum Brake?


A brake drum is a rotating, cylinder-shaped part that exerts pressure outwardly on a set
of shoes or pads to produce friction. Drum brakes are brakes where the shoes press
against the inner surface of the drum.

When shoes contact the outside of the drum, it is commonly referred to as a clasp brake.
Despite being extremely rare, these brakes are frequently referred to as pinch drum
brakes because the drum is squeezed between two shoes, much like a conventional disc
brake.

Drum brakes can be categorized as leading/trailing or twin leading. Typically, rear


drum brakes are designed with leading/trailing or primary/secondary shoes that are
moved by a single double-acting hydraulic cylinder and hinged in the same place.

When the vehicle travels forward or backward, one brake shoe always experiences the
self-applying effect.

This is especially useful when applying the rear brakes, as the parking brake
(handbrake) must exert enough force to keep the vehicle in place and prevent rolling
backward.

In the event of inclining or reversing motion, the self-applying effect can safely maintain
a vehicle provided that the contact area of the brake shoes is large enough.

Let's discuss the important parts of the drum brake.

Read Also: Difference Between Drum Brake & Disc Brake

Parts of Drum Brake


The following are the most important parts of a drum brake:

1. Drum brake
2. Braking plate
3. Brake shoe with pads
4. Wheel cylinders
5. Brake lever
6. Brake shoe holder
7. Return spring
8. Parking brake cable
9. Brake shoe adjuster

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Drum Brake

#1 Drum Brake

In the drum brake work system, this part plays an important role. Because this
component is made of cast steel, it has a tough texture and the shape of a drum or tube.

The primary function of this part is to provide a medium for friction with the brake
pads in order for the wheels to stop on the road. This component is also directly
connected to the wheel bolts, allowing the drum to rotate in tandem with the wheel
bolts.

#2 Braking Plate

The backing plate is one of the drum brake system's parts. It takes the shape of a thin
metal band that is attached to the system's back. This component protects the other
components of the drum brake.

The backing plate is shaped like a circle with numerous holes and protrusions. The
backing plate's primary function in having a certain number of holes is to match the
standard component of the drum brake.

#3 Brake Shoe with Pads

Another part that is frequently found in a drum brake is brake shoes and brake pads. A
drum brake system's brakes are applied using a brake shoe or brake pad. The brake pad
is where the brake pads should be placed in the disc brake parts.

Typical brake shoes have a shape that resembles a circle made up of two shoes
connected by a semicircle. Despite the fact that the brake shoe is installed in one area of
the drum brake, it will not come into direct contact with the drum.

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Drum Brake

Components like brake pads are applied directly to the brake shoe's surface. When the
brake pads are worn or in poor condition, they can be changed or replaced because the
material used to make them is an organic ceramic.

#4 Wheel Cylinders

Drum brake components, such as wheel cylinders, are useful for transforming fluid
pressure into mechanical motion. Drum brake systems typically use or contain a variety
of wheel cylinder types.

Due to its frequent use in conjunction with leading and trailing drum types, the dual
piston wheel cylinder type is the most common. Bolts are the best way to distinguish
the double piston type from the backing plate.

The wheel cylinder is made up of several components, including the wheel cylinder
housing, bleeder nut, piston boot, spring, and piston. If one of the wheel cylinders is
malfunctioning, the drum brakes' effectiveness will be reduced.

#5 Brake lever

Drum brake components such as the parking brake lever can only be found on cars
since motorbikes won't use them. The drum brake assembly will appear more complex
with the parking brake lever. The park brake lever and the brake shoe link are the two
levers of the parking brake lever system.

The parking brake lever consists of an arm that has a hinge at one end that is attached to
the brake shoe on the upper side and the brake cable at the other end. While the brake
shoe link will connect the park brake lever to the opposite brake shoe.

#6 Brake Shoe Holder

The brake shoes will naturally be mounted or stored attached to the backing plate in a
car drum braking system. The brake shoe holder moves easily or is dynamic. In this
manner, the holder mechanism can properly support the drum brakes.

The brake shoe holder is comprised of a number of pins with spring locks or spring-
loaded pins as well as a pressure plate. When the three parts are joined together, they
form a critical component that connects to the backing plate.

#7 Return Spring

Return springs are brake components that are no less important because they return the
brake shoe to its original position before the brake lever or pedal pressure is applied.

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Drum Brake

The upper and lower springs are the two return springs in this braking system. Upper
springs are springs that are located above or beneath the cylinder wheel. The upper
spring's main job is to put the brake shoe back in its original place.

The lower spring, which lies on the adjuster's side, serves a very different purpose from
the upper spring. The lower spring keeps the two brake shoes in place so they can apply
pressure to the adjuster.

#8 Parking Brake Cable

The parking brake cable is typically used to pull the brake system. It is made of steel.
Similar to other steel cables, the used type of cable is not particularly unique.

The parking brake cable's main job is to link the brake system's parking brake lever to
the parking brake lever movement.

#9 Brake Shoe Adjuster

One of the drum brake components is the brake shoe adjuster, which is shaped like the
adjuster's screw. These brakes have a shoe adjuster, which is a significant part.

The brake shoe adjuster adjusts the distance between the drum brake pads and the
drum surface when the brake pedal is depressed.

Below is the Diagram of Drum Brake:

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Drum Brake

Working of Drum Brake


When the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake booster (vacuum servo) increases
the force, which the master cylinder converts to hydraulic pressure (oil pressure). The
pressure is transferred to the brakes on the wheels (brake fluid) by means of a tube
filled with brake oil.

The applied pressure pushes the pistons on the four-wheel brakes. By pressing friction
materials onto the brake drums, the pistons press the brake linings onto the interior
surfaces. The rotating drums have linings forced onto them, which slows the wheels
down and eventually brings them to a stop.

As the brake linings wear out, the shoes must travel a greater distance to reach the
drum. When the distance between the shoes and the drum reaches a certain point, a
self-adjusting mechanism moves the shoe's resting position closer to the drum.

Here, the adjustment lever can only be adjusted to advance the adjuster gear by one
tooth. The adjuster has a threaded design similar to a bolt so that as it turns, a small
amount of the threads unscrew and stretch, bridging the gap.

Since the brake shoes can advance once they begin to wear a little more, the adjustment
always keeps them close to the drum. The adjusters frequently function with the brakes
applied and the vehicle in reverse.

On vehicles without automatic adjusters, it may be necessary to manually adjust the


brakes to close excessive gaps. The parking (or emergency) brake system operates the
brakes through a network of steel cables that are connected to either a foot pedal or a
hand lever.

The mechanical brake system is designed to stop the car even if the hydraulic brakes
completely fail. In this instance, a brake-mounted lever is pulled by a cable that is
fastened directly to the brake shoes.

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Drum Brake

Types of Drum Brakes


There are three main types of drum brakes:

1. Leading/trailing shoe-type drum brake


2. Duo servo type drum brake
3. Twin leading shoe type drum brake

#1 Leading or Trailing Shoe-type Brake

The term "leading shoe" (or "primary shoe") refers to the rotating shoe that touches the
drum. The other shoe is known as the "trailing (secondary) shoe". As the drums rotate,
the shoes are pressed in the same direction. This rotation helps apply more pressure to
the shoes' contact with the drum for a stronger braking effect.

This causes the servo effect (self-boosting effect), which is what gives drum brakes their
powerful braking power. The wheel cylinder, which contains a piston, creates hydraulic
pressure that pushes the two shoes against the drum's interior surface.

When the vehicle is moving forward or backward, the two shoes function so that each
one becomes either the trailing shoe or the leading shoe. The brakes generate consistent
braking force whether the vehicle is moving forward or backward.

This is explained by the fact that drum brakes generate the same amount of braking
force in both directions. Usually, this type of system is used for the passenger car's rear
brakes.

#2 Duo Servo Type Brake

The mechanism of the duo servo type has an adjuster that connects two brake shoes,
known as the primary shoe and secondary shoe.

The primary shoe's servo effect (self-boosting effect), which exerts strong pressure on
the linked secondary shoe, generates a sizable amount of braking force. There are three
main uses for this type of brake are parking brakes, truck center brakes, and forklift
brakes.

#3 Twin Leading Shoe Type Brake

This drum brake has two wheel cylinders and two leading shoes. Since each wheel
cylinder pulls on one of the shoes when the car is moving forward, both shoes work as
the leading ones, giving the brakes a stronger stopping force.

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Drum Brake

Since each of the pistons located in the wheel cylinders moves in only one direction,
both shoes act as the trailing ones when the car is in reverse. This type is frequently
used for front brakes on small- to mid-sized trucks.

Using dual twin leading shoes allows both shoes to operate as the leading ones
regardless of which direction the vehicle is moving. Most of these are found on small to
medium-sized trucks with rear brakes.

The common symptoms of a bad drum brake are described below.

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Symptoms of a Bad Drum Brake


Drum brake issues on your car can be detected in a number of ways. Observe these
symptoms if you think your brake drums may be failing:

#1 Scraping or Grinding Noise

Drum brakes comprise several components that work together to slow your car down.
When a brake shoe's friction material wears out, the backing plate will come into
contact with the brake drum. Every time you apply the brakes, it makes a grinding
noise.

Due to missing or damaged brake parts, such as retaining springs, drum brakes can also
make strange noises. Additionally, brake drums that gather dirt, mud, and brake dust
may make odd noises. It is therefore best to have the sound evaluated by a qualified
mechanic.

#2 Low Brake Pedal

A low brake pedal might be an indication that the brake shoe and drum are too far
apart. It might also be the result of a leaking master cylinder or brake fluid.

When applying the brakes, a broken master cylinder will improperly distribute
hydraulic pressure, resulting in an immediate pedal depress. Rarely, similar symptoms
may also be brought on by internal fluid leaks in anti-lock brake components.

#3 Poor Braking Performance

When you press the brake pedal, if your car doesn't stop or slow down right away,
there may be a problem with the brake shoe or drum.

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Drum Brake

However, in vehicles with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, brake system
problems may also be caused by a worn-out brake pad.

You should take your vehicle to a mechanic for a brake job if you suspect that your
brakes are not working properly, as ignoring bad brakes can result in an accident.

#4 Loose Parking Brake

When brake drums are worn, brake shoes cannot press against their inner surfaces. This
causes the parking brake, also known as the emergency brake, to become sloppy and
less effective.

An applied emergency brake can also make the car slide a few inches if the brake cable
is not adjusted correctly or the drums are worn.

#5 Brake Pedal Vibrations

When you press down on the brake pedal, uneven or unbalanced brake drums can
cause vibrations. However, a bad disc rotor (rotor that is warped) or dirty brake pads
could also be the cause of the problem.

#6 Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

Your brake pedal may feel spongy due to cracked brake drums or air in the brake line.
A leaking brake line, however, might also be the cause. Brake fluid leakage can be
caused by brake lines because of their steel tubing, which is susceptible to rust and
small holes.

The brake pedal might become spongy or drop to the floor due to the decreased
hydraulic pressure caused by the loss of brake fluid.

Let's move into the advantages and disadvantages of drum brakes.

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Advantages of Drum Brake


1. These kinds of brakes have a longer lifespan.
2. It offers more powerful automated braking.
3. Compared to other types, these brakes are less expensive to manufacture.
4. These are less expensive and require less maintenance.
5. Because there is less friction, there is low heat generation.
6. Wheel cylinders can be easily repaired.

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Drum Brake

7. It is not very difficult to install these brakes.


8. These brakes safeguard the brakes against ice, water, and mud.

Disadvantages of Drum Brake


1. The heat dissipation system in these brakes is not very effective.
2. It requires a long break-in period.
3. If it rains too much, this brake can catch the extra water.
4. Brake fading happens more quickly.
5. This kind of brake heats up more quickly.
6. It can occasionally be difficult.
7. During hard braking, there may be a sudden increase in diameter.
8. It occasionally vaporizes brake fluid.

Conclusion
That’s it. Thanks for reading. I hope I have covered everything about the “Drum
Brake” It would be helpful if you could let me know if there was anything I missed or if
you have any doubts about anything I wrote.

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