Drum Brake
A drum brake slows the wheel by pressing curved shoes against the inside of a rotating drum.
What is Drum Brake?
Drum brakes are still used on the rear axle of some small cars. They often include the parking brake mechanism. Many drum brakes have self-adjusters that move the shoes closer to the drum as they wear. The drum has a maximum inner diameter marked on it.
How it works
A wheel cylinder pushes the shoes outward against the drum.
Why it matters for your car
Drums need occasional adjustment and cleaning; worn shoes reduce parking brake performance. Drum brakes are well protected from dirt and work well for the parking brake, but they can fade sooner than discs during long, hard braking.
Other terms
- 12-volt Socket (Accessory Socket)
- A/C Pressure Switch (Pressure Sensor)
- AC Charging
- Ball Joint Splitter
- Charge Point Operator (CPO)
- Cold-Weather Range Loss
- Dynamo (DC Generator)
- Hazard Warning Lights
- OBD Port (Diagnostic Connector)
- Piston
- PTC Heater (Electric Auxiliary Heater)
- Pushrod Engine (OHV)
- Quick Detailer
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rescue Sheet (EV Rescue Card)
- Third-Party Liability Insurance
- Trailer Sway (Snaking)
- Tyre Bulge (Sidewall Bubble)
- Wheel Offset (ET)
- Yaw Rate Sensor