2024-08-08
Brake Drums: How They Work and What You Should Know
A brake drum is a cylinder attached to a car’s wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake shoes inside the brake drum are pushed outwards to slow the vehicle down.A few decades ago, disc brakes began to replace drum brakes. Disc brakes provide higher braking force and are considered safer. However, drum brakes are still used on many new automobiles, mostly on budget models and nearly solely on the rear wheels.Drum brakes had existed since 1900 when they were first employed on a Maybach automobile, though Louis Renault didn't patent the technology until 1902.