Brake Drums and Wheel Cylinders

Drum brakes use curved brake shoes inside a drum that turns with the wheel. When you press the pedal, the wheel cylinder pushes the shoes outward against the inside of the drum, and the friction slows the wheel. They're common on the rear of many older cars, utes and trailers.

Disc brakes generally cool better and are less prone to fade under hard use, which is why most cars use them at the front. Drum brakes are cost effective, durable, and work well as rear brakes and parking brakes. The right setup is the one your vehicle was designed with.

Drum brake shoes often last longer than front pads, because the rear brakes do less of the work. Drums can last a long time but need replacing if they're worn beyond their maximum diameter, scored or out of round.

Many drum brakes self adjust as you drive or use the handbrake. Others are adjusted manually with an adjuster wheel behind the backing plate. Follow your vehicle's workshop manual for the right method, and check the handbrake adjustment as well.

The wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the drum when you brake. Signs of a leak include brake fluid on the inside of the wheel or tyre, a dropping fluid level, or a soft pedal. A leaking wheel cylinder needs replacing, and the shoes should be checked for fluid contamination.