CAR TROMOL BRAKES

 

Components, How It Works, Definition, Function, and Advantages of Car Drum Brakes, Drum brakes are a braking system commonly used in this car vehicle. Although more and more vehicles have used disc brakes, drum brakes remain popular because of their reliability in various conditions and their more affordable cost. This article will review the components of drum brakes, how they work, the definition, and function of each component, as well as the advantages of this drum brake system compared to other braking systems.

 

Understanding Drum Brakes

This drum brake itself is one of the mechanical braking systems that uses a drum or cylinder as the main component to slow down or stop the rotation of the vehicle's wheels. This system also utilizes the friction force between the brake pads and the drum to achieve braking purposes. In general, this drum brake consists of several important components such as brake drums, brake pads, brake cylinders, brake springs, adjusters, and this braking lever.

 

Drum Brake Components

·         Brake Drum: This is the outer part in the form of a cylinder where the brake pads rotate and are pressed to apply braking.

·         Brake Pads: Consist of braking material used to provide friction with the brake drum, usually made of durable friction material and capable of producing sufficient friction force to stop the vehicle.

·         Cylinder or Brake Cylinder: This component functions as a braking mechanism driver. When the brake is stepped on, the brake cylinder will move the brake pads to press the brake drum and produce the required friction force.

·         Brake Spring: Used to return the brake pads to their original position after the brakes are released, so that the wheels can rotate freely.

·         Adjuster: Responsible for adjusting the distance between the brake pads and the brake drum, ensuring optimal braking along with changes in brake pad wear.

·         Brake Lever: This part functions as a connection between the brake pedal pressed by the driver and the braking mechanism on the wheels.

 

How Drum Brakes Work

·         Pressure on the Brake Pedal: When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic or mechanical pressure from the pedal is transmitted to the brake cylinder.

·         Brake Pad Pressing: The brake cylinder will press the brake pads against the brake drum. This applied pressure will cause friction between the brake pads and the brake drum.

·         Friction Force: The friction force generated between the brake pads and the brake drum will convert the kinetic energy of the wheel into heat energy. This process will slow down or stop the rotation of the wheel.

·         Return to Original State: After the brake pedal is released, the brake spring will return the brake pads to their original position. This allows the wheel to rotate again without continued friction between the brake pads and the brake drum.

 

Drum Brake Function

Drum brakes have several main functions in a car's braking system:

·         Primary Braking: The primary function of drum brakes is to slow down or stop a vehicle by converting kinetic energy into heat energy through friction between the brake pads and the brake drum.

·         Control: Drum brakes provide good control of the vehicle, especially under emergency braking conditions or on slippery roads.

·         Tire Maintenance: By providing smooth and efficient braking, drum brakes can help in maintaining the condition of tires and other suspension components by reducing sudden pressure on the wheels.

 

Advantages of Drum Brakes

Drum brakes remain a popular choice among certain advantages:

·         Maintenance Costs: Drum brakes are generally cheaper in terms of maintenance and component replacement costs compared to disc brakes.

·         Wet Condition Performance: Drum brakes tend to be more effective in wet road conditions because the brake drum can protect the brake pads from water and dirt, maintaining stable braking performance.

·         Use in Medium Vehicles: Ideal for vehicles with medium speeds and non-extreme braking requirements, drum brakes remain a reliable and efficient choice.

 

Comparison with Disc Brakes

·         Braking Performance: Disc brakes generally have better and more stable braking performance in extreme braking situations or on high-speed vehicles.

·         Heat Dissipation: Disc brakes are able to handle heat dissipation more efficiently, due to good air ventilation around the disc.

·         Design and Appearance: Disc brakes are often considered more aesthetic because they are visible from the outside and have the potential to be more attractively designed.

 

Conclusion

Drum brakes themselves are one of the most reliable and efficient mechanical braking systems that are still widely used in modern cars today. Although disc brakes are increasingly common, drum brakes have their place in the automotive market due to their much lower maintenance costs and better performance in wet road conditions.

Understanding the components, how they work, the meaning, and also the function of each part of the drum brake system is certainly important to maintain the safety and optimal performance of your vehicle. Thus, choosing a braking system that suits your vehicle's needs will certainly help improve the overall driving experience.