Brakes, Drum

A type of brake that consists of an enclosed rotating drum attached to the wheel hub, which turns with it as it spins. When the brake pedal is depressed, a set of curved brake pads (or shoes) are forced into contact with the sides of the drum to slow the vehicle down. Usually mounted on rear wheels, drum brakes are prone to fade, or heat build-up, which reduces their effectiveness.

See also Disc Brakes.