In this topic you study, the difference between drum brake and disc brake.
| Disc Brake | Drum Brake |
| Here, the brake pads are flat, resulting in equal pressure on brake disc. Hence, wear of friction pads is uniform. | Here, the brake shoes are curved, resulting in non-uniform pressure on the brake drum. Hence, wear of friction material is non-uniform. |
| Heat dissipation rate is better, as the assembly is exposed to atmosphere. | Heat dissipation rate is very low, as the assembly is enclosed and friction surface is on the internal part of drum. |
| Due to better cooling and overall design of brake, the brake pads always move in opposite direction on the brake disc. Hence, there is no loss of efficiency. | Due to friction, the drum becomes hot and expands internally, causing the brake shoes to move apart. This results in loss of efficiency as extra brake pedal travel is required. |
| Overall brake assembly is lighter in weight. | Overall brake assembly is heavier. Cooling takes too much time. |
| Replacement of brake shoe is simpler and faster. | Replacement of brake shoe is complicated and takes time in dismantling of assembly. |
| High initial cost | Low initial cost |