Brake drums are essential components of a vehicle’s braking system, commonly found in older cars or the rear wheels of modern vehicles. These round drum-shaped parts work together with brake shoes to slow or stop the vehicle by creating friction. Knowing their role and function is vital for proper vehicle maintenance and to ensuring optimal braking performance.
Symptoms Of Bad Brake Drums
Numerous signs can point towards problems with your brake drums. Here are some telltale symptoms of poor brake drums:
#Squealing or grinding noises
Worn-down brake drums can produce squealing or grinding noises when used to brake, often caused by worn out brake shoes rubbing against their inner surface and making contact.
#Vibration or Pulsation When Braking
Warped or unevenly worn brake drums may cause vibration or pulsation when applying brakes, signaling that they require either resurfacing or replacement. This indicates the need for repairs..
#Reduced Braking Performance
If your brake power seems diminished or it takes longer to stop your vehicle, this may be caused by worn-out brake drums that have worn too thin over time and limit their ability to effectively slow the car.
#Visible damage or wear
Carefully examine the brake drums for signs of excessive wear such as scoring, grooves or cracks as well as rust or heat spots on their surfaces – these could all indicate issues.
#Brake Dragging or Sticking
A malfunctioning brake drum might cause the brakes to drag or stick, leading to overheating, excessive wear, and poor performance. This can result from issues like a stuck wheel cylinder or a brake shoe that isn’t releasing properly.
#Uneven Brake Wear
Uneven wear on brake shoes could indicate issues with their drums. If one side wears down faster than another, this could indicate problems with either its surface or alignment of the drum itself.
#Parking Brake Issues
Parking brake issues may include difficulty with engaging or disengaging, non-holding or becoming stuck, or an unsteady feel to the lever. These problems could stem from cable issues, worn brake shoes, seized mechanisms or fluid/air accumulation in the system – prompt attention and professional inspection can help address these concerns quickly and ensure safe operation of parking brakes.
#Brake Fluid Leaks
Fluid leaks around the brake drums suggest a problem that needs immediate attention.
What’s The Function Of A Brake Drum?
The brake drum is an integral component of a vehicle’s braking system, playing an essential role in creating friction and slowing or stopping its motion. As soon as brakes are applied, their shoes press against its interior surface to generate decelerating forces needed for decelerating motion.
Where Are The Brake Drums Located?
Brake drums can often be found behind the wheel hub and may even appear on some modern vehicles’ rear wheels. As part of their braking system, brake drums work alongside brake shoes to provide stopping power for vehicles.
How Do You Test The Brake Drums?
Testing brake drums involves several steps:-
Visual Inspection:-Examine for any visible damage such as scoring, grooves, cracks or uneven wear on the drum surface.
Measure Drum Diameter:- Use a measuring tool to check the diameter of your brake drum, then compare it against its manufacturer specifications; if its size exceeds its maximum allowable diameter, replacement might be necessary.
Check for Warping:- Use a precision tool such as a dial indicator to measure runout, or the lateral movement, of the drum surface. An excessive runout could indicate warping.
Verifying Brake Shoe Contact:- To ensure even contact between your brake shoes and drum surface, remove your wheel and visually inspect its contact pattern after braking.
