Do any cars have drum brakes?
Yes, some cars still use drum brakes, particularly on the rear wheels. While disc brakes have become the industry standard for most vehicles, drum brakes continue to be used in certain applications due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for certain driving conditions.
Understanding Drum Brakes
Drum brakes are a type of brake system that uses a cylindrical drum that rotates with the wheel. Inside the drum, there are two brake shoes that press outward against the inner surface of the drum when the brakes are applied. This friction slows down the rotation of the wheel, allowing the vehicle to stop.
Drum brakes were the predominant brake system used in cars for many decades, but they have gradually been replaced by disc brakes, which offer better performance, particularly in terms of heat dissipation and fade resistance.
Where Are Drum Brakes Still Used?
While disc brakes are now the standard for most front wheels, drum brakes are still commonly used on the rear wheels of many vehicles, particularly in the following situations:
- Rear Wheels: Drum brakes are often used on the rear wheels of vehicles, as the rear brakes typically experience less heat and wear than the front brakes. This makes drum brakes a cost-effective and reliable option for the rear axle.
- Lighter Vehicles: Drum brakes are still found on the rear wheels of many smaller, lighter vehicles, such as compact cars, subcompacts, and some SUVs, where the lower braking demands make drum brakes a suitable and more affordable choice.
- Towing and Hauling: Drum brakes are often used on the rear wheels of vehicles designed for towing or hauling heavy loads, such as pickup trucks, trailers, and RVs. The simplicity and durability of drum brakes make them well-suited for these applications.
While drum brakes are less common on modern vehicles, they continue to serve a purpose in certain applications where their cost-effectiveness and suitability for specific driving conditions make them a practical choice.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
