Bad brake drums reduce your ability to stop safely. Catching bad brake drum symptoms early prevents costly repairs and keeps you safe on the road.
Common Bad Brake Drum Symptoms
Grinding or scraping noise. When the friction material wears off, the metal backing plate digs into the drum. You hear a grinding noise every time you brake.
Brake pedal vibration. Worn or out-of-round drums cause pulsation through the pedal. The shoes bounce against uneven surfaces instead of making consistent contact.
Longer stopping distance. Worn or glazed drums lose friction. Your stopping distance increases, which matters in emergencies.
Loose parking brake. Worn drums stop the shoes from pressing firmly against the inner surface. The car may roll a few inches after the parking brake is engaged.
Low brake pedal. Excessive clearance between the shoe and drum makes the pedal sit lower than normal. This can also point to a fluid leak or a bad master cylinder.
Spongy brake pedal. Cracked or worn-thin drums make the pedal feel soft. Spongy brakes can also come from air in the brake lines.
Car pulling to one side. Uneven drum or shoe wear makes the car drift when braking. This is especially hazardous in wet conditions.
If you notice any of these bad brake drum symptoms, get the brake system inspected by a professional.
