What year did Ford stop using drum brakes?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I often get questions about the evolution of vehicle braking systems. One common inquiry is about Ford's transition from drum brakes to more modern braking technologies. Understanding this shift not only highlights advancements in automotive engineering but also informs car owners about the maintenance and performance of their vehicles.
The Shift from Drum to Disc Brakes
Ford, like many other automobile manufacturers, began phasing out drum brakes in favor of disc brakes during the late 20th century. This transition was largely driven by the need for improved safety and performance in vehicles.
Timeline of Changes
Here’s a brief overview of the timeline regarding Ford's use of drum brakes:
- 1960s: Drum brakes were commonly used in most vehicles, including those produced by Ford.
- 1970s: The automotive industry began to recognize the limitations of drum brakes, particularly in terms of heat dissipation and stopping power.
- 1980s: Ford started to introduce disc brakes on more models, especially in the front wheels, as a standard feature.
- 1990s: By this decade, most new Ford vehicles were equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, effectively phasing out drum brakes in their passenger cars.
Why the Change?
The shift from drum brakes to disc brakes was motivated by several factors:
- Performance: Disc brakes provide better stopping power and are less prone to fading under heavy use.
- Maintenance: Disc brakes are generally easier to inspect and replace compared to drum brakes.
- Safety: Improved braking performance contributes to overall vehicle safety, which is a top priority for manufacturers.
Conclusion
In summary, Ford began phasing out drum brakes in the late 1980s, with most models transitioning to disc brakes by the 1990s. This change reflects broader trends in the automotive industry towards enhanced safety and performance. As a car owner, understanding these developments can help you make informed decisions about maintenance and upgrades for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ford stop using drum brakes?
Pre 1967 old Ford cars and old Ford trucks used a drum brake system.
Why do Ford still use drum brakes?
The drum brake has been around pretty much since cars were invented, and they continue to be used (albeit not as much) because they're cheaper to produce than disc brakes. This is partly because there are fewer compionents involved in a drum brake, and the parking brake can be located inside the drum.
What year did Ford go to disc brakes?
First introduced as standard equipment on the 1965 Lincoln and Thunderbird, and as optional equipment on the 1965 Mustang, the disc brake was released as the power option on all 1968 Ford-built car lines.
What is the biggest disadvantage of the drum brake system?
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 year for 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.
What year did Ford switch to hydraulic brakes?
1939
Coerced by competition and public pressure, Ford introduced hydraulic brakes for the first time in 1939. The 1940 pickup featured a V-shaped grille and fenders with integral headlights. Interior upgrades included two-tone materials, chrome accents and a more modern dashboard.
What is a big disadvantage of the 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.
What year did disc brakes become standard?
Most U.S. cars switched from front drum brakes to front disk brakes in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
When did Ford go to juice brakes?
1939
Since Ford used these exact spindles when converting to juice brakes in 1939, you can just buy the simple brake kits and rebuild these yourself with no modifications necessary.
Do modern cars still use hydraulic brakes?
Most modern cars have disc brakes with a rotor attached to the wheel. This brake system has calipers, rotors, brake pads, and hydraulic fluid, which are crucial to bringing the vehicle to a stop.
