Why do companies still use drum brakes?
Despite the widespread adoption of disc brakes in modern vehicles, drum brakes continue to be used by many companies, particularly in the automotive industry. While disc brakes offer superior braking performance, drum brakes still have their advantages in certain applications.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary reasons companies opt for drum brakes is their cost-effectiveness. Drum brakes are generally less expensive to manufacture and install than disc brakes. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious vehicle models or applications where cost is a significant factor.
Simplicity and Durability
Drum brakes are also known for their simplicity in design and construction. They have fewer moving parts compared to disc brakes, which can make them easier to maintain and repair. Additionally, drum brakes are often more durable and resistant to wear, particularly in harsh environments or heavy-duty applications.
Rear-Wheel Applications
Drum brakes are commonly used on the rear wheels of vehicles, where they can provide adequate braking performance without the need for the more advanced disc brakes. This configuration helps to balance the braking system and can be a cost-effective solution for many manufacturers.
Parking Brake Functionality
Drum brakes are well-suited for use as parking brakes, as they can easily be integrated into the rear brake system. This allows for a simple and effective parking brake mechanism, which is an important safety feature in many vehicles.
Specific Applications
Certain vehicle types and industries may still prefer drum brakes due to their specific requirements. For example, heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and some agricultural or industrial equipment may utilize drum brakes due to their durability and suitability for these applications.
While disc brakes have become the industry standard for many modern vehicles, drum brakes continue to have a place in the automotive and industrial sectors due to their cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and suitability for certain applications. As technology advances, the role of drum brakes may evolve, but they remain a viable option for many companies and manufacturers.
Which is safer disc brake or drum brake?
Disc brakes are generally considered better than drum brakes due to their superior performance, shorter stopping distances, and improved heat dissipation. However, the choice between drum and disc brakes depends on factors such as vehicle type, driving conditions, and budget.
Why don't trucks use disc brakes?
That said, history tells us that trucks operating in dusty or gritty environments such as gravel pits could see high rates of rotor wear. Probably no worse than drum wear under similar conditions, but rotors are much more expensive to replace. For that reason, many fleets that tried disc brakes have gone back to drums.
Do any modern cars use drum brakes?
You are mistaken to think that drum brakes are for old cars. Do you know that even modern and sophisticated cars still have drum brakes? While disc brakes are mainly used on the front wheels, the rear brake system of most modern cars is powered by the drum brake.
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.
Do disc brakes stop better than drum?
Depending on the speed, disk brakes can be anywhere from 17% to 33% quicker than drum brakes. Reduced fading is another advantage, especially for vehicles that stop frequently. Furthermore, disc brake service and maintenance are often easier and faster than drum brake service and maintenance.
Are drum brakes outdated?
Why 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.
Why are trucks not allowed to engine brake?
This is because using your motor to help your vehicle stop can be noisy, an effect that is amplified by some of the rigs that you've seen driving around in the past. For this reason, to fit in with local noise ordinances, multiple communities have outlawed the practice.
What is the biggest problem with drum brakes?
Drum brakes are a common braking system used in many vehicles, but they do have their drawbacks. Among the various issues associated with drum brakes, the biggest problem is typically overheating, leading to lessened performance.
What was the last car to use 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.
Why do manufacturers still use drum brakes?
Drum brakes are less expensive to manufacture and install compared to disc brakes. For automakers, this means they can keep production costs down and offer more competitively priced vehicles.
