Disc brakes are more popular these days but many vehicles still have drum brakes on their back wheels at the very least. The two systems, disc and drum, work in tandem to stop your truck. There are some signs that tell you your drum brakes might need a little TLC. Here are common indicators that you need a drum brake service, repair, or replacement. Some of these symptoms might also suggest you have trouble brewing with the disc brakes on your front wheels, as well.
Difference in How Your Brake Pedal Feels
You probably step on your brakes more times each day than you realize, and that constant use can wear the brake system parts down. When your drum brakes wear down, you might feel strange sensations coming from the brake pedal when you depress it. Usually, the brake pedal will vibrate, but it can also feel as if it is pulsating or shuddering. This is a sign that your drum brakes are worn down, specifically the shoes, and they need to be replaced before it becomes even harder to stop your vehicle.
Scratching or Scraping Sounds When You Brake
Another sign of drum brake trouble is noises when you slow down and stop. This, too, is a sign of disc brake problems. If you hear scratching or scraping when you apply the brakes, your drum brakes are worn down too far. In the case of disc brakes, you’ll hear more of a grinding sound when the brake pads have worn down too far. Regardless of the type of sound you hear, have your brakes inspected and the worn parts replaced before, again, it becomes harder to stop your vehicle.
Your Parking Brake Doesn’t Set
How drum brakes work is fairly simple. Shoes inside the drums squeeze against them when you step on the brake pedal. This pressure slows the wheels down. When you set your parking brake you, in essence, permanently squeeze the shoes against the drums. This prevents your vehicle from moving as long as the parking brake is set. If you notice your car moves still when you set your parking brake, the shoes might not be able to squeeze against the drums as tightly as normal because either part is worn.
If you feel you might have brake trouble brewing underneath your wheels bring your truck in for a brake inspection. We’d be happy to inspect both the drum and disc brakes and fix any problems we find.