Do pickup trucks have drum brakes?
No—modern pickup trucks mostly use disc brakes on all four wheels; drum brakes are rare and typically limited to older models or certain base/fleet configurations on the rear axle for cost savings or the parking-brake design.
Brake system basics in today’s pickups
As trucks have grown heavier and more capable, manufacturers have standardized disc brakes on the front axle for better heat management and stopping power, while rear brakes are commonly discs on most trims. Drum brakes may still appear on some lower-cost or legacy configurations on the rear axle, primarily to provide a cost-effective or simple parking brake solution.
Before we break down the typical configurations and the exceptions, here is a snapshot of the common arrangements you’ll see in modern pickups.
- Front brakes are almost always disc brakes (vented, with multi-piston calipers on higher trims) to maximize stopping power and heat dissipation.
- Rear brakes are commonly discs on most trims, but some base or fleet models may still use drum brakes on the rear axle to cut costs.
- The parking brake is usually mechanical and tied to the rear brakes; on disc-rear setups it may be a drum-in-hat or an electronic parking brake that engages the rear wheels via the brake calipers or a separate mechanism.
In practice, this combination provides stronger, more predictable braking for everyday driving and towing, with drums appearing mainly as a cost-saving or legacy feature.
When drum brakes still show up on pickups
Drum brakes tend to appear today in more limited circumstances. Common cases include base-model or fleet-focused trims where cost reduction is prioritized, and some older or retro-styled pickups that haven't fully migrated to all-disc configurations. In such setups, the rear axle brake is the primary source of the parking brake, using a shoe-and-drum arrangement.
- Rear drum brakes on certain base trims or fleet configurations to reduce manufacturing costs.
- Rear brakes tied to a mechanical parking brake that uses drums or a drum-like assembly.
- Older model years or specific markets where all-disc braking was not adopted yet.
Even when rear drum brakes exist, many manufacturers have shifted toward all-disc brake systems for improved fade resistance and consistent performance, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads.
Summary
Disc brakes on all wheels are the default for modern pickups, offering superior heat tolerance and braking performance. Drum brakes survive only in a few niche cases—chiefly base-model or legacy configurations—where cost savings or a simple parking-brake solution is prioritized.
What year did they stop putting drum brakes on cars?
Drum brakes were largely phased out on front wheels by the 1970s, and many rear applications were phased out by the early 1990s, though they are still used on some rear wheels and for parking brakes today. While front drum brakes on vehicles like the Jeep CJ-5 were discontinued around 1986, and some cars went to all-wheel discs in the early 1990s, drum brakes are still manufactured for cost-effectiveness on certain rear-wheel applications and as a simpler integration for parking brakes.
- Front wheels: Disc brakes became standard on the front wheels by the 1970s due to superior performance, especially in wet weather. The last automobile to use front drum brakes in the United States was a 1986 model year Jeep CJ-5.
- Rear wheels: Drum brakes were phased out of rear-wheel applications more slowly, with many vehicles transitioning by the early 1990s, though some models continued to use them even later.
- Continued use: Drum brakes are still used on the rear wheels of some modern vehicles because they are cheaper to manufacture. They are also commonly used for parking brakes due to their simplicity in incorporating a parking brake with a mechanical cable system.
Do all trucks have drum brakes?
Drum brakes are used in most heavy duty trucks, buses, some medium and light duty trucks, and a few cars, dirt bikes, ATVs, and a few smaller recreational vehicles like electric scooters.
Why are drum brakes no longer used?
The biggest issue is heat dissipation. Since drum brakes are enclosed, they retain more heat during braking, which can lead to brake fade when used repeatedly over short periods.
Why does Tacoma still use drum brakes?
Tacomas have historically used drum brakes in the rear due to cost savings, effectiveness in off-road conditions, and because front brakes handle the majority of the stopping force. Toyota also cited that drum brakes are better sealed against dirt and debris and are less prone to warping from heat, making them durable in the harsh environments many Tacomas are used in.
Why drum brakes are used
- Cost-effectiveness: Drum brake technology is mature and cheaper to manufacture, which can help keep the truck's overall price down.
- Off-road performance: The enclosed nature of drum brakes protects the braking components from dirt, sand, and water, which is a significant advantage in off-road or winter conditions.
- Braking force distribution: In a moving vehicle, weight shifts to the front during braking. Because the front brakes handle most of the stopping power, the rear brakes are not under as much stress.
- Durability and maintenance: Drum brake systems are generally durable and have long service intervals, especially in conditions where they are protected from the elements.
- Simpler parking brake: Implementing a parking brake is often simpler and more robust with a drum brake system compared to a disc brake system.
Disadvantages of drum brakes
- Heat dissipation: Disc brakes are generally better at dissipating heat, which can be a concern during heavy, repeated braking, like towing a heavy trailer.
- Maintenance complexity: While durable, replacing shoes and springs on a drum brake can be more complex and time-consuming than replacing pads on a disc brake for some mechanics.
