Drum brakes and disc brakes are operated by friction type braking system. Both the brakes works on hydraulic pressure. Both the braking system have some similarities. But they have some differences in their operations and design. In this article will discuss the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes.
Difference between drum brakes and disc brakes in a vehicle
Disc brakes and drum brakes system totally differ in designs.- Car brake shoes are divided by two type of friction pads, shoe-disc and drum-drum. The shoe brakes are equipped in much earlier cars but still mounted on light vehicles. In this type of levers and wheels system, compress pads which slows the rotation of the wheel.
- Disc brakes have a pair of friction pads and a disc. The disc has a vents opened to cool the disc through the counter flow of air. This is the main difference between disc brakes and drum brakes.
- Spinning disc is attached with two pads which will stop the wheel rotation.
The advantage of this design is, the dirt and moisture on the brake can quickly be cleaned.- Drawback of disc brakes are, they wear very quickly.
- Even the highest quality of the disc brakes can wear quickly compared to the drum system.
- In emergency braking, especially at high speed, we can notice very strong heating disc.
- Even the temperature reaches 6000 F.
- To come up with better heat ventilated discs. The holes and grooves are provided to force the air circulation.
- For large loads brake pads coated with a thin layer of burnt friction material, which prevents effective inhibition.
- The grooves and slots ventilated disc cut carbon deposits, thereby renewing pads.
- The working principle of drum brakes is very simple. Pistons pushes the brake master cylinder blocks and press the brake shoe against the inner surface of the drum.
- Cooling of drum brakes are even worst than the disc, no moving parts blowing counter-flow of air.
- Heat is removed through a special edge on the drum.
- Even the most advanced drum brake will not stop the vehicle immediately.
- At a speed of 80 km/h braking distance of drum brakes is at least 27 meters on dry roads.
These are the differences between the drum brakes and the disc brakes. Most modern vehicles are equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels and the drum brakes on the rear wheel.
