Revealing the Differences Between Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes

Did you know that brakes have two systems, namely the disc system and the drum system? Depending on the energy produced by the car's engine, both have different working systems. In addition, disc brakes and drum brakes also have their own advantages and disadvantages. What are the differences between disc brakes and drum brakes? Well, read on!

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are also known as disc brakes. This brake has main components consisting of a disc plate and a brake caliper that contains a piston and brake pads. As the name suggests, the working system of this brake relies on the clamping of the disc plate on the car's wheels. When you step on the brake pedal, the master cylinder will push brake fluid to flow to the piston. The caliper will then push the piston to move, causing the pads to clamp the disc. The speed of the car's wheels will then slow down until it eventually stops. The working system of disc brakes relies on the clamping of the disc itself, which is directly connected to the car's wheels.

Of course, this effective working system is an advantage. In addition, disc brakes also have a good cooling system through the vents or holes present in the disc. Heat from the friction of the brake pads can be reduced immediately due to the free flow of air. However, the presence of vents or holes can also be a disadvantage. The disc can easily get dirty due to dust and other dirt. The performance of the disc can be affected.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes rely on the friction of the pads with the drum. Its main components are the wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake drum. The drum is a component shaped like a bowl. This component will rotate according to the rotation of the wheel. When you step on the brake pedal, the brake fluid will push the piston to move the pads. The pads will then press the drum, causing friction to slow down the car's wheels.

Usually, drum brakes have wider pads. The wider surface of the pads can produce strong yet smooth braking power. This brake is suitable for larger vehicles. Moreover, drum brakes tend to be cleaner because their working system is more enclosed than disc brakes. However, the enclosed working system actually hinders air from cooling the friction. Clean, indeed, but difficult to achieve air circulation. In addition, the response of drum brakes is slower than that of disc brakes.

Of course, both braking systems must be adjusted to your car. Larger vehicles like buses and trucks are more suitable with drum brakes. Meanwhile, modern cars, sports cars, and other vehicles with larger engine capacities are more suitable to use disc brakes. These brakes can be used in various temperature conditions and are resistant to water puddles. It is also worth noting that many cars now use disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. This application aims to achieve maximum performance in the car's braking system.

In addition to regular brake fluid checks, you should also clean the brakes, both disc and drum. By using brake cleaner, you can clean the brakes yourself. For drum brakes, you need to remove the drum first. The way to do this is by hitting the side of the drum with your hand or a rubber mallet. Do not use a metal hammer as the drum can break. Then, sand the surface of the brake pads, and spray with brake cleaner.

Additionally, to remove the disc in the disc brake system, you only need a 12/14 ring wrench when opening the lower caliper bolts. Also, pay attention to the thickness of the disc or drum brake pads. If they are too thin, you need to replace them with new ones immediately.

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