Introduction Of The Disc Brake and Drum Brake

Most youngsters like to ride their bikes at high speed to feel the adrenaline. Likewise, with a high speed, we must have a proper braking system to counter the aftereffects of high speed. So, there are two types of brakes for the same application. One is Drum Brake, and the other is a Disc brake. So, in this article, we will see the difference between a disc brake and a drum brake.

Drum Brake

This kind of brake generally uses frictional force with the help of pads and shoes. It generally presses outwards with and against the rotating cylinder-shaped part. This is what makes it the drum brake.

Disc Brake

These are the brakes that use calipers to press and squeeze a hard pair of pads that works against the disc or rotor to create friction. The exact process of disc works on the principle of stopping or slowing the rotation of the shaft, also known as the vehicle axes. This helps to stop the speed (Rotational speed) or even slow the vehicle down.

Drum Brakes vs. the Disc Brake which one is better?

Below mentioned shows the differences as well as the reason between the drum brakes vs. disc brakes:

1. Effect of rain or wet surfaces: During the Rainy season, the impact of the drum brakes is reduced because the wheel gets completely wet, and the brakes’ effectiveness starts decreasing between the brake shoe and internal lining. Whereas the effect on the disk brakes due to rain is minimum. 
2. Maintenance: The drum brakes require high maintenance. With dust and other particles attaching to the drum, an efficiency issue arises. Similarly, if we talk about the disc brakes, it only needs to clean with the help of a Sandpaper.
3. Brake Failure: The issue with drum brakes is that it sometimes loses the compression property, which is generally caused due to riding the vehicle for long-distance without brakes. This comes from the excessive heating issues that cause heat flow from the piston to the brake fluid. This kind of situation is not there in the Disc brakes.
4. Stopping power: The bite of disc brakes can be increased, making them more ideal for stopping the car, but drum brakes do not have these options or advancements.
5. Wheel Damage: Because the shoes of drum brakes are coupled to the spring that causes wheel friction, the wheels in the assembly of drum brakes are prone to wear and tear. Also, with the usage and time, the wheel size starts reducing due to damage. Whereas, on Disc brakes, this is not the scenario.
6. Spares parts affordability: There are always high chances of having wear and tear in the case of drum brakes, which also causes damage to the wheel itself. Also, if we consider this scenario, this may cause the changing of the full wheel. This is the disadvantage of the drum brakes, whereas the same scenario doesn’t exist in the case of Disc brakes.
7. Wheel Lock-up: One problem with disc brakes is that they might lock-up during panic or rapid braking, which is most noticeable on non-ABS bikes. In the event of a car with drum brakes, however, this situation does not apply.
8. Heat Dissipation: If we take the vehicle non-stop for long trips, then the chance of heat dissipation is there, and due to that issue, the drum brakes become less effective, and the shoe becomes damaged. In the case of disc brakes, however, there is no such scenario. The disc brakes are located on the outer part of the wheel and hence cool very quickly.

Conclusion

People nowadays pay more attention to the safety features that allow them to commute over long distances with fewer problems. In addition, the power of motorcycles and automobiles has increased dramatically to provide the required performance. The speed is also the factor that works parallel with the increasing power. So, here the brakes play a vital role in the safety of the rider. Because there are so many unexpected chances of a collision on the road, the rider will want immediate braking help. Also, studies suggest that most the scooters and bikes are now coming with the front disc brakes. This makes the front wheel more effective than the rear wheel. The above article on the differences between drum vs. disc brakes helps the user/rider to get more clarity on the choice of using the vehicle for safety purposes.