brake shoes and drums
Brake shoes and drums are fundamental components of a vehicle's braking system, working together to create the friction necessary for safe and effective stopping. The brake drum, a cylindrical component that rotates with the wheel, houses the brake shoes, which are curved metal platforms lined with high-friction material. When the brake pedal is engaged, hydraulic pressure forces the brake shoes to expand outward against the inner surface of the rotating drum, creating friction that slows and stops the vehicle. This system has been refined over decades of automotive engineering to provide reliable, consistent braking performance. Modern brake shoes are manufactured using advanced composite materials that offer superior heat resistance and durability, while drums are typically cast from high-grade iron alloys designed to withstand tremendous heat and pressure. The system's design includes self-adjusting mechanisms that maintain optimal shoe-to-drum clearance, ensuring consistent brake performance and reducing maintenance requirements. These components are particularly common in rear-wheel applications of passenger vehicles and are extensively used in commercial trucks due to their robust nature and cost-effectiveness.