How to Fix a Brake Drum Out of Round – What You Need to Know

AvatarByCarl Frisch

Brake drum out of round is a condition in which the brake drum is not perfectly cylindrical and has an uneven surface. This can be caused by worn or damaged components, or by poor installation. Symptoms of a brake drum out of round include increased vibration when braking, excessive brake noise, and decreased braking power. To diagnose this problem, the brakes must be removed to inspect the condition of the drum. The drums must then be machined to restore them to their original round shape. If not addressed, this issue can cause premature wear on other brake components and can lead to dangerous braking conditions.

Automobile: Brake Drum Out Of Round

Causes of Brake Drum Out of Round

The cause of brake drum out of round is not always clear. In some cases, it can be attributed to normal wear and tear over time, while in others it can be due to mechanical issues such as improper installation or maintenance. Factors that contribute to brake drum out of round include improper wheel alignment, incorrect lug nut torque, and excessive heat caused by high-speed braking. The mechanism of brake drum out of round is based on the principle that when a force is exerted on a circular object, it will deform into an elliptical shape. As the force increases, the deformation increases until the object becomes oval-shaped. This is known as “warping” and can occur when the braking force exceeds the strength of the material used to make the brake drum.

Ways to Identify if a Brake Drum is Out Of Round

In order to identify whether or not a brake drum is out of round, there are three primary methods that can be used. The first method is visual inspection for warping. This involves looking at the surface of the brake drum and checking for any signs of deformation or irregularity in its shape. The second method is measuring the drum with a dial gauge. This requires a special tool called a dial indicator which measures very small increments in distance. The final method for determining if a brake drum is out of round is having it professionally assessed by an automotive technician with experience in this area.

Repairing a Brake Drum Out Of Round

Once it has been determined that a brake drum is out of round, there are several strategies for repairing it depending on its condition and age. One option for resurfacing a warped brake drum involves using an abrasive material such as sandpaper or emery cloth to lightly sand down any raised edges until they are level with one another again. However, if this does not resolve the issue or if too much material has been removed from the surface, then replacement may be necessary. Replacement options range from purchasing new drums from an automotive parts supplier to having them custom made by a skilled machinist or fabricator who specializes in this type of work. Additionally, cost considerations should also be taken into account when deciding whether or not to repair or replace damaged parts as replacement parts tend to be more expensive than repairs in most cases but provide better performance and reliability over time..

Preventing Brake Drums from Becoming Out Of Round

Regular maintenance checks on your vehicle’s braking system can help prevent your brake drums from becoming out of round due to wear and tear over time. During these inspections, your technician will check for any signs of wear such as uneven grooves in your rotors or drums caused by excessive heat buildup during heavy braking sessions which can lead to warping over time if left unchecked. Additionally, necessary adjustments and parts replacements may be needed depending on their condition; worn pads should be replaced immediately while warped rotors may require resurfacing before being put back into service again depending on their severity..

Common Misconceptions about Out Of Round Brake Drums

One common misconception about out-of-round brake drums is that wobbling or vibration during braking implies an out-of-round condition; however this isn’t always true as there are several other issues that could possibly cause these symptoms such as worn pads/rotors or improperly adjusted brakes/calipers/wheel bearings etc., so it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by professional technicians before any assumptions are made regarding its condition.. Additionally, another misconception about warped rotors versus out-of-round drums relates mainly to their shapes; while warped rotors tend to have more pronounced curves compared to drums which tend have more subtle elliptical shapes when viewed from above..

How to Maintain an Automobile’s Brakes in Good Condition

Maintaining the brakes of an automobile is essential for a safe drive. Proper maintenance of brakes can help decrease the risks associated with sudden braking and reduce the likelihood of accidents. If regular checks are done on all parts related to the vehicle’s stopping power, it can help ensure that the brakes are in good condition and working correctly.

When squeaking or grinding is observed in the vehicle’s wheel area, it is important to take immediate steps to address this issue. It could be a sign that one or more components of the vehicle’s brake system are not functioning properly. Checking various components such as brake pads, rotors, and calipers can help identify any problems that need to be addressed. Additionally, examining and replacing other essential parts like brake fluid, hoses, lines, hardware, and sensors can also help keep the brakes in good condition.

Common Causes for Uneven Wear on Automobile’s Tires

Uneven wear on an automobile’s tires can be caused by several factors including misalignments in steering or suspension systems, improperly balanced wheels and tires, and worn shocks or struts. If any of these issues are present then it is important to get them fixed as soon as possible as they can cause excessive strain on certain parts of a tire which will lead to uneven wear on its treads. In addition to this, improper inflation levels or incorrect wheel alignment settings can also result in uneven tire wear due to increased friction between the tire and road surface when driving.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Different Types Of Automotive Braking Systems

The two most common types of automotive braking systems are disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes provide greater stopping power than drum brakes due to their use of calipers which squeeze against a pair of metal discs in order to slow down a car. However, they require frequent maintenance due to their mechanical nature as well as more expensive replacement parts compared to drum brakes which use wheel cylinders instead of discs for braking action. Other variations include Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA). Each system offers its own advantages such as improved stopping power or improved handling depending on its design but each type also has its own disadvantages such as increased cost or additional complexity.

Innovations In Automotive Bracking Technology

The constantly evolving automotive industry has seen several advancements over the years when it comes to braking technology for automobiles. The latest developments have focused on improving existing ABS systems by incorporating electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) which helps reduce stopping distances by distributing braking force between front and rear wheels accurately based on driving conditions while also providing improved cornering stability during hard braking maneuvers. Additionally, modern solutions like Brake Assist (BA) have been developed which uses sensors placed around the car’s bodywork in order detect sudden changes in speed or deceleration rate before activating optimized braking force accordingly for maximum efficiency every time you press down on the pedal.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the causes of brake drum out of round?
A: Brake drum out of round is typically caused by an accumulation of heat and pressure from frequent use, which can lead to warping or distortion. Other contributing factors are rust and corrosion buildup, poor wheel alignment, improper brake installation, and worn shocks or struts.

Q: How can I tell if my brake drum is out of round?
A: To identify a brake drum that is out of round, you can visually inspect for warping or uneven wear on the surface. Additionally, you can measure the drum with a dial gauge to check for any irregularities in its shape. For a more accurate assessment, it is best to consult a professional automotive technician.

Q: How do I repair an out of round brake drum?
A: Repairing an out of round brake drum typically involves resurfacing it with a lathe machine. If the damage is too severe, then it may need to be replaced with a new part. Cost considerations should be taken into account when deciding between resurfacing and replacing the drum.

Q: What steps can I take to prevent my brake drums from becoming out of round?
A: Regular maintenance checks on the vehicle’s braking system should be done as preventive measures against warping in a brake drum. Adjustments and parts replacements may be necessary for optimal functioning in the vehicle’s stopping system. Additionally, wheel alignment should be checked regularly to avoid uneven pressure on the brakes.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about out of round brake drums?
A: One common misconception about out of round brake drums is that wobbling or vibration always indicates an issue with the drum itself. However, this could also be caused by other components in the vehicle’s wheel area such as worn shocks or struts or improper wheel balancing. Another common misunderstanding is that warped rotors are synonymous with an out of round condition; however this does not necessarily mean that both issues are present at once.

In conclusion, brake drums that are out of round can cause major issues when it comes to automobile braking performance. If a vehicle owner suspects their brake drums are out of round, they should have them checked and replaced as necessary. In some cases, the drums may be able to be machined in order to restore them to their proper shape, but this is not always an option. It is important for vehicle owners to pay attention to their brakes and inspect them as often as possible in order to ensure that they are functioning properly and that all components are in good condition.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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