Disc Brake and Drum Brake

Disc brake

Disc brake is type of brake which is very common in modern day vehicle which used the friction to bring down the motion of wheel. The main components of disc brake are calipers, rotor and brake pads. The main principle of disc brake is calipers squeezes brake pads against rotor, which produces friction and it slows down the motion. It was first used by Jaguar team in a racing competition, which they won by competing with others using brake drum.

Disc Brake and its main components

Generally, disc brake is always used on front wheels of vehicle. One of the main reason for this is weight is always transferred on front wheels when we apply brake. Since, disc brake is more efficient and it takes less reaction time, disc brake is always preferred. This kind of brake also uses brake fluid to transfer force from brake pedal to calipers in the brake system. We should always check brake pads condition while changing Motor oil (Engine oil) after vehicle runs certain distance. Due to more open space, brake pads and rotor loses heat more easily and this brake became more popular because of this advantage.

Brake pads

Brake Pads

Brake pad is the most important component of disc brake because it squeezes against rotor to change kinetic energy of wheel into thermal energy with the help of friction. It is made up of metallic materials, semi metallic material or from ceramics. At first asbestos was used to make brake pads but, because of its health hazard it was made obsolete WVA numbering system is generally used all around the world for cataloging the brake pads

Rotor

Rotor

Rotor which is also known as disc can be easily seen on wheel. Rotor is squeezed by brake pads to stop the vehicle. There are various types of rotor used in vehicle nowadays. Some of them are plain, drilled, slotted and drilled and slotted. Drilled and slotted are the types of rotor which dissipates the heat quickly.

Drum Brake

Drum brakes was more popular before disc brake was invented. The main principle of drum brake is it used brake shoes against brake drum to produce friction which slows down the motion of vehicle. The main advantage of brake drum is it easily fits emergency brakes in it which is why it is kept at rear wheels. It is also less expensive than disc brake. The main components of drum brake are brake lining, piston, wheel cylinder, emergency brake lever and drum.

Drum Brake

 The main advantages of drum brakes are it is less expensive and we can easily fit emergency brake system in it. The disadvantage of drum brake is  it takes lot of time to dissipate heat which is produced by friction in it. It is because there is less open space and all mechanism takes place inside drum so in some cases people generally pour water on drum brake so that it could dissipate heat easily.

Brake Shoes

Brake Shoes

Brake shoes are made of 2 pieces of steel which are welded together. The friction material may be attached with adhesive or riveted on it. There is web and it contains holes which are used for return spring, parking brake lining and self-adjusting component. Every brake assembly has two shoes one is primary and another is secondary. Primary, is located toward the front and is positioned differently from secondary shoe 

As we have seen the features of disc brake and drum brake. Now it is much easier to know why disc brake is more popular. 

Tags: Disc Brake, Drum Brake, Brake Pads, Brake shoe