What year did they stop putting drum brakes on cars?
The use of drum brakes in automobiles has been a long-standing tradition, but over time, the industry has shifted towards the adoption of disc brakes. The transition from drum brakes to disc brakes in cars has been a gradual process, with the exact year when drum brakes were phased out varying across different models and manufacturers.
The Evolution of Braking Systems in Automobiles
Drum brakes were the predominant braking system in cars for many decades, dating back to the early 20th century. These brakes used a set of brake shoes that expanded outwards to press against the inner surface of a rotating drum, creating the friction necessary to slow down the vehicle. Drum brakes were relatively simple in design and were generally reliable, but they had some limitations, such as reduced braking performance in wet conditions and a tendency to fade under heavy use.
As the automotive industry continued to evolve, engineers began exploring alternative braking systems that could offer improved performance and reliability. Disc brakes, which use calipers to clamp down on a rotating disc (or rotor), emerged as a promising alternative to drum brakes. Disc brakes offered several advantages, including better heat dissipation, more consistent braking performance, and improved responsiveness.
The Gradual Transition to Disc Brakes
The transition from drum brakes to disc brakes in automobiles was a gradual process that took place over several decades. While the exact year when drum brakes were phased out can vary, the general trend was as follows:
- 1950s-1960s: Disc brakes were first introduced on high-end and performance-oriented vehicles, such as sports cars and luxury models.
- 1970s-1980s: Disc brakes became more widespread, with many mainstream and mid-range vehicles adopting them, particularly on the front wheels.
- 1990s-2000s: Disc brakes became the standard braking system for the majority of new vehicles, with drum brakes being relegated to the rear wheels or phased out entirely.
- 2010s and beyond: Disc brakes have become the universal braking system for modern automobiles, with drum brakes being used only in a few specialized applications or on the most basic, entry-level models.
The transition to disc brakes was driven by several factors, including improved braking performance, enhanced safety, and the increasing demands of higher-powered and heavier vehicles. As disc brake technology continued to evolve, it became the preferred choice for both automakers and consumers.
Conclusion
The transition from drum brakes to disc brakes in automobiles has been a gradual process that has taken place over several decades. While the exact year when drum brakes were phased out can vary, the general trend has been towards the widespread adoption of disc brakes, which offer superior braking performance, reliability, and safety. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is likely that disc brakes will remain the dominant braking system for the foreseeable future.
When did front disc brakes become mandatory?
1970s
In 1965, the Chevrolet Corvette, a 350 – 375 horsepower car, used disc brakes on all four wheels. American automotive manufacturers continued to use internal drum brakes in the mid-1970s. But as vehicles got heavier and faster, disc brakes became the new standard. Every vehicle since the 1970s has front disc brakes.
When did disc brakes replace drum brakes?
From the 1960s to the 1980s, disc brakes gradually replaced drum brakes on the front wheels of cars (which receive the majority of braking force). Now practically all cars use disc brakes on the front wheels, and many use disc brakes on all four wheels.
Why are drum brakes not used anymore?
Drum brakes are less efficient than disk brakes and harder to service. Drum brakes will also overheat and fade more quickly than disk brakes, increasing your stopping distance.
What year did cars start using disc brakes?
The Citroën DS was the first sustained mass production use of modern automotive disc brakes, in 1955. The car featured caliper-type front disc brakes among its many innovations. These discs were mounted inboard near the transmission and were powered by the vehicle's central hydraulic system.
Are drum brakes better than disc brakes?
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.
When did cars stop using drum brakes?
> Until perhaps 10 years ago, drum brakes were standard as the rear brakes of almost every car. You need to go back more than that. 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.
