What is the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes?

Time： 2024-12-18

Summay： There are significant differences between drum brakes and disc brakes in terms of braking force

There are significant differences between drum brakes and disc brakes in terms of braking force, heat dissipation performance, drainage function, and structure:

Firstly, the braking force is different: in terms of braking force, drum brakes have much greater braking force than disc brakes. This difference is not due to the advanced technology of drum brakes, but rather to their unique structural characteristics. The core component of a drum brake is a metal object that looks like a drum, hence the name drum brake.

Secondly, the heat dissipation performance is different: drum brakes have poor heat dissipation in enclosed spaces and accumulate a large amount of heat during the braking process. Brake shoes and wheel drums are prone to complex deformation under high temperature, leading to a decrease in braking efficiency. In contrast, disc brakes have better heat dissipation and more stable braking performance.

In addition, the drainage function is also different: when water enters the braking system, it will affect the braking function. If the water cannot be drained in time, the braking function will significantly decrease. From a structural perspective, the closed design of drum brakes is not conducive to drainage, while the design of disc brakes is more conducive to drainage.

Furthermore, the structure is different: disc brakes have a compact and simple structure, while drum brakes have a relatively complex structure. Under the same braking force, the diameter of drum brakes is much smaller than that of disc brakes.

Finally, the heat dissipation effect is different: disc brakes have better heat dissipation and more stable braking performance due to the exposed brake shoes. Drum brakes, on the other hand, have brake pads inside the brake drum that are difficult to dissipate heat. Prolonged braking can cause the braking force to decrease with increasing heat.

The working principle of drum brakes is that hydraulic pressure acts on the piston of the brake wheel cylinder inside the brake drum, and the piston pushes out the bent brake shoe. Alternatively, friction materials bonded with rivets on the brake shoes can compress the interior of the brake drum, slowing down the rotation of the brake drum and axle, thereby achieving braking.

The working principle of disc brakes is to use hydraulic oil to push the brake shoes towards the brake disc through an oil cylinder, generating friction and braking.

Keywords： What is the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes?