Brake Drums

Brake drums – reliable stopping power for drum-equipped vehicles

Brake Drums collects OEM-specification drum brake components for vehicles that still use drum brakes on the rear axle, and in some cases on the front as well. Many compact cars, small family vehicles and light commercial vans rely on rear drums because they combine durability, simple construction and effective integration of the mechanical parking brake. In this category you will find high quality replacement drums that bolt directly in place of the original parts, matching the factory mounting pattern, diameter and width. The line-up already features European-made EBC Brake Drums, with additional brands to follow as the range grows.

While disc brakes dominate the front axle of modern cars, drum brakes remain popular at the rear thanks to their robustness and cost-effectiveness. A good brake drum must provide a stable friction surface for the shoes, conduct and store heat effectively and maintain roundness over many thousands of kilometres. Poor-quality or worn drums can develop scoring, heat spots, cracks or out-of-round conditions, which show up as pedal pulsation, noise and reduced braking efficiency. That is why choosing a drum from a reputable manufacturer is critical, especially on heavily loaded vehicles or those that tow trailers regularly.

Technical Basics

Most modern brake drums are made from high-grade grey cast iron specifically formulated for braking applications. Grey cast iron offers an excellent combination of wear resistance, heat capacity and stable friction characteristics. Drums are produced using controlled casting processes and then machined on precision equipment to achieve the required tolerances. The inner friction surface is turned to a smooth finish so that the brake shoes can bed in evenly, minimising localised hot spots and vibration.

In a drum brake system the wheel is attached to the drum, which rotates with the hub or axle. Hydraulic pressure in the wheel cylinder forces the shoes outwards against the inner surface of the drum, generating the friction that slows the vehicle. Because the friction surface is enclosed, heat can build up inside the drum more readily than on an exposed disc. Adequate wall thickness, correct material choice and accurate machining help the drum resist distortion from repeated heat cycles, reducing the risk of brake fade and uneven shoe contact over time.

Selection Criteria

When choosing a new brake drum, start with precise vehicle identification: make, model, generation, engine, year of manufacture, and whether the drum is fitted to the front or rear axle. Key dimensional data include drum diameter, braking surface width, bolt pattern and centre bore size. Quality manufacturers provide detailed application charts, so you can select the correct part number based on vehicle data rather than guesswork. If the car has been modified – for example with an axle swap or imported running gear – it is wise to check the markings on the existing drum before ordering.

You should also decide whether you are performing a simple drum replacement or a full drum brake overhaul. If the old drums are deeply scored, heat-checked, cracked or already machined close to their maximum diameter, replacement is strongly recommended. Best practice is to change drums in axle pairs so both sides share the same friction characteristics. At the same time it often makes sense to replace shoes, springs, adjusters and wheel cylinders, minimising the risk that old, tired components will compromise the performance of your new drums.

Installation & Maintenance

Correct installation of brake drums is essential for safe, consistent braking. Before assembly, clean the new drum’s friction surface and the shoes with brake cleaner to remove any oils or contaminants. Bearings, seals and hub hardware must be handled according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, and all fasteners tightened to the specified torque. After fitting, the drum should rotate freely without dragging on the shoes; adjusters must be set correctly, and the parking brake mechanism should move smoothly with a small amount of free play.

During service, several symptoms can indicate problems with the drum brake system: a pulsating pedal, vibration under braking, one rear wheel running noticeably hotter than the other, weak handbrake performance or excessive pedal travel. These may be caused by out-of-round drums, contaminated friction surfaces, seized adjusters or hydraulic issues. When fitting new drums as part of a properly refurbished rear brake assembly, the system should deliver smooth, even braking without judder. Vehicles that regularly tow, descend steep hills or carry heavy loads benefit from more frequent inspections and earlier replacement of worn drums and shoes.

FAQ

Why should I choose branded brake drums instead of the cheapest option?
Quality brake drums use better materials, tighter machining tolerances and improved balancing compared with budget parts. This results in smoother braking, reduced pedal pulsation and longer service life, which is especially important on heavier vehicles and those used for towing.

Can old brake drums be machined instead of replaced?
In many cases drums can be machined within a specified limit, but removing material reduces wall thickness and heat capacity. Once a brake drum approaches its maximum service diameter, replacement with a new unit is usually safer and more cost-effective than further machining.

Do I need to replace the brake shoes when fitting new drums?
For best results, new drums should be combined with new shoes and, if necessary, fresh hardware. This allows the shoes to bed in properly on the new friction surface, giving stronger, more consistent braking and reducing noise.

What are the common signs of worn or damaged brake drums?
Typical warning signs include a shuddering pedal, vibrations from the rear of the car, scraping noises, poor handbrake holding power and an uneven braking feel. Any of these symptoms should prompt an inspection of the entire drum brake system, including drums, shoes, springs and wheel cylinders.

Why should brake drums always be replaced in pairs?
On a given axle, both brake drums should offer the same friction characteristics and wear level. Replacing only one drum can result in unequal braking forces left to right, causing the car to pull to one side under braking and reducing overall stability.