The brake drum is an essential part of the drum brake. It forms a friction pair with the brake shoes and brakes the car wheel. Furthermore, the drum is responsible for the heat absorption and heat dissipation that arises during the braking action. This point is particularly important for safety, otherwise the so-called 'fading' can occur. Fading means that the braking effect decreases with increasing temperatures and no more reliable braking effect is ensured. This can happen if you are traveling with a trailer and exceed the permissible total weight.

When it comes to driving safety, the brake drum is the most important vehicle part. It rarely needs to be serviced or replaced and has a relatively long life. If, however, the permissible limit value (diameter in the wheel bearing) is exceeded or another damage occurs in the wheel arch, sufficient braking action is no longer guaranteed. Only the way to the next workshop helps to change the drum. To avoid big differences in the braking force, the drum should always be replaced on the axle so on the right and left side of the vehicle. Should you notice any restrictions during your journey, you should immediately visit the nearest specialist garage. Brakes should always be installed, replaced and mounted by qualified personnel. It is always necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The drum is made of very stable and hard materials. That must be so, because they always have to achieve a good braking effect no matter how great the loads. Under no circumstances should the inner diameter at very high temperatures extend too far and exceed the permissible limit value. However, the drum has a high thermal conductivity and a perfect friction surface for optimum braking. Many car manufacturers have meanwhile specialized in drums with a protective varnish. With this protective varnish, the drum is optimally protected from external conditions. Frost, dirt, water or road salt in winter can accelerate the wear considerably and it becomes susceptible to rust. The paint ensures that the drum has a long life and looks good. For most vehicles, the drums are installed in the wheel bearing. Should it be exchanged, it is advisable to change the wheel bearing as well. There are many suppliers today who offer drums together with wheel bearings. This way, they handle high repair costs because the parts can be installed much faster.

Like the entire drum brake system, the drum requires no maintenance on the part of the driver. As part of regular maintenance and servicing, the workshop checks the drum brake for wear and tear. If the brake drums or other parts of the drum brake need to be replaced, only high quality replacement parts should be used. Important: A brake with optimal braking effect contributes to maintaining the value of the entire vehicle.