Brake Drums

Brake drum is a metal drum which rotates around the brake shoes, they are bolted to the wheel. When brake is applied, the brake shoes inside the brake drum expands and along with the brake lining, it pressed the inner surface of the drum. The exerted force makes the vehicle to slow down or to stop.

Characteristics of Brake Drums
The condition or quality of a brake drum is responsible for the efficient working of brakes. Some important features which a good brake drum should have are:

• It should exhaust heat efficiently for the durability of the brake shoes and for better friction.
• The diameter of the brake should be proper and correct for better brake operation.
• The inner surface of the brake drums should be smooth.

Uses of Brake Drums

• The brake drum helps to prevent water and dirt from entering the brake system.
• It provides the contact area for the brake shoes.

Materials used for making Brake Drums
Brake drums are generally made from the following metals:

• Iron
• Aluminum
• Steel

Sometimes, the alloy of these metals are used to make better quality brake drum.

Maintenance of Brake Drum

• Brake pads should be adjusted so as not to rub against the brake drums.
• The use of hydraulic or electromagnetic speed retarders will make brake drums last longer.