Do any cars have drum brakes?
Drum brakes have been a staple in automotive braking systems for many years, and while they are less common in modern vehicles, they are still found in various models today. This article explores the use of drum brakes in cars, their advantages, and where you might still encounter them.
Understanding Drum Brakes
Drum brakes operate using a cylindrical drum that rotates with the wheel. Inside the drum, brake shoes press against the drum's inner surface to create friction, which slows down the vehicle. This design contrasts with disc brakes, which use a flat rotor and calipers.
Where Are Drum Brakes Still Used?
While most new cars are equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, drum brakes are still prevalent in certain applications:
- Rear Wheels of Some Economy Cars: Many budget-friendly vehicles still utilize drum brakes on the rear wheels to reduce costs.
- Light Trucks and SUVs: Some light trucks and SUVs may have drum brakes in the rear, especially in base models.
- Older Vehicles: Classic cars and older models often come with drum brakes as standard equipment.
- Specialized Applications: Certain vehicles designed for specific purposes, such as some commercial vehicles, may still use drum brakes for their reliability and ease of maintenance.
Advantages of Drum Brakes
Despite the rise of disc brakes, drum brakes offer several advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Drum brakes are generally cheaper to manufacture and install, making them a popular choice for budget vehicles.
- Effective at Holding Vehicles: Drum brakes provide excellent holding power, which is beneficial for parking brakes.
- Less Prone to Water Damage: Drum brakes are less susceptible to water and mud, which can affect disc brakes' performance.
Conclusion
In summary, while drum brakes are becoming increasingly rare in modern vehicles, they are still found in various applications, particularly in budget cars and certain light trucks. Understanding the differences between drum and disc brakes can help you make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the last year for drum brakes?
In the 80s nearly every car had rear drum brakes, that phased out in the early 90s or so. Only the very cheapest cars had drums past that timeframe.
Why did we stop using drum brakes?
The main reason for the early unpopularity of discs on trucks is their tendency for overheating. Drum brakes are better at dissipating heat than discs due to the mass of the drum and exposed surface area. Disc brakes are also more expensive to manufacture and maintain, pads don't last as long as linings on shoes.
What is a big disadvantage of the drum brake?
Drum brake disadvantages
Brake shoes can overheat to the point where they become glazed. Excessive brake drum heating can cause the brake fluid to vapourise.
What was the last car with drum brakes?
Now practically all cars use disc brakes on the front wheels, and many use disc brakes on all four wheels. In the United States, the Jeep CJ-5 (manufactured by AM General) was the final automobile (produced for the United States Postal Service) to use front drum brakes when it was phased out in 1986.
Which cars still have hand brakes?
NEW MODELS WITH A HANDBRAKE
- Abarth: 595, 695.
- Audi: A1 Sportback.
- Citroen: C3, C3 Aircross, Ami.
- Dacia: Duster, Sandero.
- Fiat: 500, 500C, Tipo Cross, Panda, Panda Cross.
- Ford: Puma, New Puma ST, Mustang, Tourneo Custom.
- Hyundai: i10, i20, i20N, i30N, Bayon, i20N line.
- Jeep: Wrangler.
Which vehicles use drum brakes?
This type is mainly used for parking brakes on passenger cars, the center brakes on trucks, and brakes on forklifts.
Do disc brakes stop better than drum?
Performance and Efficiency
Moreover, disc brakes offer improved stopping power and shorter stopping distances compared to drum brakes.
What is a disadvantage of a drum brake?
Cons. Overheating – One of the biggest downsides to drum brakes is their tendency to overheat quickly in conditions where a driver has to brake frequently. This occurs because the components are housed within the metal drum with limited air circulation.
Which is safer drum brake or disc brake?
Disc brakes offer superior stopping power and heat dissipation, making them ideal for performance-oriented vehicles and demanding driving conditions. Drum brakes, with their cost-effectiveness and durability, are a practical choice for everyday vehicles and less intensive braking demands.
Do any cars still use drum brakes?
Despite the introduction of disc brakes, which offer superior performance in many aspects, drum brakes continue to be used in the rear of many modern cars. This might seem surprising, but this choice has several practical reasons.
