Brake Drum Manufacturer

A brake drum is a cylindrical metal component of a drum brake system that is attached to the wheel hub and rotates with the wheel. The function of a brake drum is to slow down or stop the vehicle by creating friction between the brake shoes and the inside surface of the drum.

When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the wheel cylinder, which in turn pushes the brake shoes outward against the inside of the brake drum. The friction between the brake shoes and the drum generates heat, which converts the kinetic energy of the rotating wheel into thermal energy, slowing down the vehicle.

Brake drums are commonly used in the rear wheels of many vehicles, especially in older models, although they are gradually being replaced by disc brakes. Drum brakes are still widely used in heavy-duty applications such as trucks and buses, where their durability and reliability are highly valued.

When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the wheel cylinder, which is located inside the brake drum. The wheel cylinder contains a piston that pushes the brake shoes outward against the inside of the brake drum. The brake shoes are curved metal plates with friction material on their outer surface that presses against the inside surface of the drum.

When the driver releases the brake pedal, the hydraulic pressure is released, and the brake shoes return to their original position due to the action of springs or other mechanisms. This disengages the brake shoes from the brake drum, allowing the wheel to rotate freely again.

Cleaning a brake drum involves removing dirt, grime, and brake dust from the surface of the drum. Here are the steps to clean a brake drum:

1. Lift the car and remove the wheel: Use a jack to lift the car and support it on jack stands. Then remove the wheel to access the brake drum.
2. Inspect the brake drum: Check for cracks, deep grooves, or other damage that may require resurfacing or replacement.
3. Remove the brake drum: If the brake drum is stuck, use a hammer to tap around the perimeter of the drum until it comes loose. Then slide it off the wheel studs.
4. Clean the brake drum: Use a brake cleaner or a degreaser to clean the brake drum thoroughly. Spray the cleaner over the surface of the drum and scrub it with a wire brush until it looks clean.
5. Dry the brake drum: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to dry the brake drum. Make sure there is no moisture left on the surface before you put it back on the car.
6. Inspect the brake pads and shoes: Take a look at the brake pads and shoes for signs of wear or damage. Replace them if necessary.
7. Reinstall the brake drum: Slide the brake drum back onto the wheel studs and tighten the lug nuts. Repeat the process for the other brake drum.
8. Lower the car: Remove the jack stands and lower the car to the ground.

Inspecting the brake drum for wear is an important part of maintaining your car’s braking system. Here’s how you can inspect your brake drums for wear:

1. Remove the brake drum: To inspect the brake drum, you will need to remove the drum from the wheel hub. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove the brake drum.
2. Check the surface of the drum: With the drum removed, inspect the surface of the drum for any visible signs of wear, including grooves, cracks, or warping. Check the inside and outside surfaces of the drum, as well as the brake shoe contact surface.
3. Measure the drum diameter: Using a micrometer or a drum brake measuring tool, measure the diameter of the brake drum at several points along its surface. Refer to your car’s manual for the correct specifications for the drum diameter.
4. Check for taper and out-of-roundness: Check the drum for taper by measuring the diameter at the center of the drum and comparing it to the diameter at the outer edge. The measurements should be consistent. Check for out-of-roundness by measuring the diameter of the drum at several points along its surface, rotating the drum as you go. If the measurements vary more than the specified limit, the drum is out of round.
5. Check the drum’s thickness: Use a brake drum micrometer to measure the thickness of the drum’s friction surface. Compare this measurement to the minimum thickness specified in your car’s manual. If the drum is thinner than the specified limit, it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.
6. Inspect the brake shoes: While the drum is removed, inspect the brake shoes for wear, cracks, or damage. Replace them if necessary.
7. Reinstall the brake drum: Once you have finished inspecting the brake drum, reinstall it onto the wheel hub following the manufacturer’s recommended procedure.

Here are some signs that your drum brakes may be bad:

1. Squeaking or grinding noise: If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise coming from your brakes, it could be a sign that the brake pads or shoes are worn down and need to be replaced.
2. Vibration or pulsation: If you feel a vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that the brake drums are warped or out of round.
3. Longer stopping distance: If your car takes longer to come to a complete stop, it could be a sign that the brake pads or shoes are worn down and need to be replaced.
4. Pulling to one side: If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that the brake shoes or pads are worn unevenly or that the brake drums are out of round.
5. Reduced brake performance: If you notice a decrease in the overall braking performance of your car, such as a softer brake pedal or reduced stopping power, it could be a sign that the drum brakes are not functioning properly.

If your brake drum is worn out or damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it. Here are the steps to replace a brake drum:

1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, brake drum puller, new brake drum, brake cleaner, and a torque wrench.
2. Remove the wheel: Use the lug wrench to remove the wheel from the car.
3. Remove the brake drum: Use a brake drum puller to remove the brake drum from the wheel hub. If the drum is rusted or stuck, you may need to tap it gently with a hammer to loosen it.
4. Clean the brake assembly: Use a brake cleaner to clean the brake assembly and remove any debris or dust.
5. Install the new brake drum: Install the new brake drum onto the wheel hub. Make sure the drum is centered properly and seated all the way onto the hub.
6. Install the wheel: Install the wheel onto the car and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
7. Lower the car: Use the jack to lower the car to the ground and use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.
8. Repeat the process: Repeat the process for the other brake drum.
9. Test the brakes: After installing new brake drums, it’s important to test the brakes before driving the car. Pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure that the brakes are working properly.