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The main components of the drum brake system are: brake drum, backing
plate, wheel cylinder, brake shoes, springs and clips, automatic brake self-
adjuster, and parking brake mechanism.
Drum brakes are usually located on the rear wheels of disc-drum
applications.
Hydraulic pressure forces pistons to move the brake shoes into contact with
the brake drums.
Leading brake shoes are applied in the same direction as the brake drums
forward rotation and are self-energizing; trailing brake shoes are applied in
the opposite direction of the brake drums forward rotation and are not self-
energizing.
Drum brake systems can be: twin leading shoe (least common),
leading/trailing shoe, and duo servo.
Twin leading shoe brake systems are more efficient in forward braking than
reverse braking.
Leading/trailing shoe brake systems provide equal, but not maximum,
braking in both directions.
Duo-servo drum brake systems use servo action for the front brake shoes to
multiply the force to the rear shoes, causing rear brake shoes to do more
braking work.
Brake drums are machined to the manufacturers specified standard
diameter and should be replaced once refinished beyond specifications.
Brake drums styles are hub or hubless (most common in passenger vehicles).
All brake unit components (except brake drum) are mounted to the backing
plate.
Brake shoe contact pads provide a smooth surface for the brake shoes to ride
on.
Wheel cylinders contain a housing, pistons, piston lip seals, spring and
expander set, dust boots, push rods, and a bleeder screw.
Wheel cylinders should be replaced rather than honed if corrosion or pitting
occurs.
Wheel cylinders are single acting (one piston, force generated in one
direction) or dual acting (two pistons, force generated in two directions).
Steel brake shoes have lining material bonded (or riveted) to them to create
friction for braking.
Duo-servo brake systems have primary brake shoes (front of vehicle, shorter
shoe lining) and secondary brake shoes (rear of vehicle, longer shoe lining).
Drum brakes may make the following noises: groaning (excess brake dust in
the drum), grinding (worn friction lining), or clicking (grooves worn into
backing plate contact pads or rough finish cut on the drum).
Drum brakes use return, hold-down, and specialty springs.
Drum brakes must have self-adjusters to maintain proper shoe-to-drum
clearance.