I agree that drum brakes are very effective as a parking brake, better than using the disc brake pads to hold the rotor
That is why many vehicles with rear discs actually have a parking brake shoe setup, inside the rotor hat
Somehow, I’m guessing Rick was hoping that we’d agree that drums are flat out better than discs in all regards
Well, that isn’t going to happen
Sorry, Rick
The scary thing is that a lot of people are probably watching the nut in the video and drinkin’ it in. I can tell you from my years at the college that today’s primary and secondary educational systems are definitely not giving the average graduate any foundation at all in science or physics or the ability to think critically. It’s truly scary. And heartbreaking.
don t worry mountain. they aren t teaching US history very well either…
Long ago, in a far of land when we started this discussion, I inferred he (Rick) was technically correct if all you did was consider one aspect of braking, the initial application of the brake, they are more efficient. That’s why they are used as parking and emergency brakes when power assist is off. In that limit frame of reference, he is right. But, when wet, repeated use and all the other times when strain is put on them, they glaze over, get contaminated surfaces more easily and become more difficult to effectively engage.
If efficiency is measured in “being able to crank them out” cheaply, they may win there too. Me thinks expanding on one advantage, better use as a parking brake without power assit and using it to justify it as a better brake over all…is a real stretch. You can take tha “drum” brake technology and maximize it and easily make it “betterr” then a poorly designed disc brake. But who cares. There are reasons why discs rule now.
Or math, wes. Or how our government works. Or about its founding principles.
I could go on, but being that this is a car forum I’ll stop.
And now, back to cars.
Everyone makes great points. Here is a thought, If you had to drive a vehicle with non power brakes would you rather it be equipped with drums or discs?
I would take drums with non power brakes.
@WheresRick . . . ?!
I’d spend the $300 and buy an aftermarket brake booster. I’d do everything I know of to get rid of those drum brakes.
There are people on the east coast getting hammered with unreal amounts of snow and all RICK can worry about is drum brakes. YUCK
Doesn’t really matter to me. I’d want power steering over power brakes. How hard is it to push a pedal?
I’ll just say that I’ve owned some performance cars in the past (68 Roadrunner, 59 Corvette, 69 Superbee, etc) that had drum brakes and no power assist.
Brakes were never an issue in spite of my sometimes aggressive driving habits. Yes, I street raced and even took the Plymouth up to 125 one night but the drums would do what was asked of them in an emergency; lock the wheels and slide. The Vette brakes would put you through the windshield if so desired.
That being said, my preference would still be discs which were an option back in the 60s but like most people in the day options were not often taken. Same with sway bars; those used to be optional also.
There are people on the east coast getting hammered with unreal amounts of snow and all RICK can worry about is drum brakes. YUCK
I’d rather deal with the record snow-fall amounts we’ve had in the past few weeks then Tornado’s and Hurricanes and Earth Quakes other parts of the country experience. Snow usually won’t kill you while you’re sitting at home watching TV.
@“VOLVO V70”
There are people on the east coast getting hammered with unreal amounts of snow and all RICK can worry about is drum brakes. YUCK
A little dramatic tonight?
I feel for the people getting hammered by the snow, it sucks. There is nothing I can do about it right now. I have done my time in the cold and ice and snow doing my part to restore peoples power in ice storms and snow storms.
If they call my employer and need help up there restoring power I will be the first to head out. I spent time up in the NE after Super Storm Sandy.
Are you located on the east coast? If so have you prepared? Do you need pointers? Whats really going on?
Im not trying to be smart, but there are tragedies around the world everyday, Im not sure why we should stop in our tracks and quit talking about things you deem silly.
@WheresRick - are you a lawyer? I feel like I’m on the stand, being maneuvered into giving you your desired answer for a non-existent hypothetical.
I disagree. Disc brakes are better. One might begin to think it is the apocalypse on the east cost, but it will end at some point. I used to reserve a week a year vacation time for snow days but since I retired we have gotten nary a big storm in Minnesota. Nothing wrong with one every once in a while but three, four, etc. and has to be driving people nuts.
How did a post this old get brought back to life, anyway? I thought we’d put this one to bed?
I dunno, I’ve been ignoring it for weeks then just decided to disagree again to stimulate the discussion. I thought maybe Rick and Mike might be out back settling the dispute. Its who has the last laugh I guess. Once Mike gets shoveled out, he’ll be in a warm office but Ole Rick will be up there on the power pole freezing his behind trying to restore power.
Those guys have my undying respect. Getting out there in a blizzard in subzero chill factors in the middle of the night under an emergency work order deserves our utmost respect.
But I thought the disc vs. drum question had been put to bed. Once a thread gets over 100 posts, I figure there’s not much left to be said.
Discs don’t fade like drums… and neither do posts about drum brakes, which seem to never fade regardless of how many times you beat the dead horse.
I thought maybe Rick and Mike might be out back settling the dispute. Its who has the last laugh I guess.
RE-Read the posts…I had ONE entry in the discussion. It wasn’t me keeping the string going, nor did I revive it.