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Difference between drum brakes and disc brakes: which are better?

Table of content

  1. The advantages and disadvantages of drum brakes
  2. The advantages and disadvantages of disc brakes
  3. Need to replace your brakes?

First of all, let’s look at the similarities between the two. They both operate on the same basic principle: the brakes slow the car wheels down by turning kinetic energy into heat through friction. The key difference lies in how the components create friction and their braking efficiency.

drum brakes vs disc brakes

The first drum brakes were patented in 1902 by French automotive pioneer Louis Renault. They laid the foundations for today’s modern braking systems and were the main type of brake for cars until disc brakes were popularised in the mid 1950s. In modern car front and rear drum brakes components are: hydraulic wheel cylinders, brake shoes, springs, and the brake drum. When you press the brake pedal, two brake shoes are pushed against the inner surface of the rotating drum by the wheel cylinders, slowing the vehicle’s momentum. Once the brakes are released, the retracting springs draw the shoes away from the drum.

Instead of housing the parts of car brakes inside a metal drum, disc brakes work using a slim metal disc and calipers containing brake pads and pistons. When you engage the brakes, the main hydraulic cylinder pushes hydraulic fluid through the brake lines, actuating the pistons. The pistons press the friction pads against the rotating metal discs, creating friction and forcing the discs and wheels to slow down. Discs have become the standard in the car industry due to their efficiency and heat dissipation advantages. However, most manufacturers still use a combination of the two types - discs on the front axle and brake drums at the rear.

BREMBO COATED DISC LINE 09.B436.51 Brake disc 295x28mm, 5, perforated/vented, Coated, High-carbon
Reviews - 58
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 295
  • Brake Disc Type: perforated / vented
  • Product line: COATED DISC LINE
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 28
  • Height [mm]: 51
  • Surface: Coated
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 67
  • Number of Holes: 5
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 26
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 130
  • Machining: High-carbon
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: yes
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 09.B436.51
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 295x28mm, 5, perforated/vented, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.B436.51
£ 41,81
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-59%
240878 ATE 24.3387-1729.5 Brake caliper red, Aluminium, without holder
Reviews - 2
Parts Details
  • Brake System: Lucas / TRW
  • Brake Caliper Type: Fist-type Caliper
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Exchange Part
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without holder
  • paired article number: 24.3387-1730.5
  • Brake Caliper Colour: red
  • Piston Diameter [mm]: 38
  • ATE: Brake caliper
  • Item number: 24.3387-1729.5
  • Our price: £ 75,13
  • Condition: Remanufactured
Details
ATE Brake caliper red, Aluminium, without holder
Article number: 24.3387-1729.5
compared to RRP £ 187,01

£ 75,13
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
QUICK BRAKE 11610K Bolt, brake caliper M16x1,5
Reviews - 2
Parts Details
  • Length [mm]: 62
  • Thread Size: M16x1,5
  • Spanner Size: 21
  • Thread Type: with external thread
  • Quantity per axle: 2
  • QUICK BRAKE: Bolt, brake caliper
  • Item number: 11610K
  • Condition: New
Details
QUICK BRAKE Bolt, brake caliper M16x1,5
Article number: 11610K
£ 5,50
Price per set of 2 pieces
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
24008 BREMBO P 50 051 Brake pad set incl. wear warning contact, with brake caliper screws, without accessories
Reviews - 44
Parts Details
  • Quantity Unit: Axle Set
  • Brake System: Bosch
  • Wear Warning Contact: incl. wear warning contact
  • Thickness [mm]: 18
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without accessories
  • Number of wear indicators [per axle]: 2
  • Height [mm]: 50
  • Width [mm]: 102
  • WVA Number: 24008
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with brake caliper screws
  • Warning Contact Length [mm]: 95
  • BREMBO: Brake pad set
  • Item number: P 50 051
  • Our price: £ 20,55
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake pad set incl. wear warning contact, with brake caliper screws, without accessories
Article number: P 50 051
£ 20,55
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO COATED DISC LINE 09.C246.11 Brake disc 324x22mm, 5, internally vented, slotted/perforated, Coated, High-carbon
Reviews - 5
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 324
  • Brake Disc Type: internally vented, slotted / perforated
  • Product line: COATED DISC LINE
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 22
  • Height [mm]: 67
  • Surface: Coated
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 75
  • Number of Holes: 5
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 20,4
  • Machining: High-carbon
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: yes
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 09.C246.11
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 324x22mm, 5, internally vented, slotted/perforated, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.C246.11
£ 54,98
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs

The advantages and disadvantages of drum brakes

car drum brake advantages

  • Low cost. Although they are generally considered to be less efficient than disc brakes, they are also less expensive to produce and are therefore used on most types of vehicles.
  • Low maintenance. The components inside the drum have a high resistance to corrosion which means they need to be maintained less frequently.
  • Require less pressure. The required pressure to activate the brakes is fairly low. The “self-energising” effect of the drum increases the stopping power without any additional effort.
  • Durability. They can last a long time as they have a larger friction surface contact area than discs.
  • Overheating. They tend to overheat in heavy braking or high speed conditions, causing the drum to distort and shoes to glaze.
  • Grabbing. Can occur when the components get wet or rusty, causing tyres to skid.
  • Thermal expansion. The diameter of the drum can increase, meaning that the driver has to press the pedal further.

BREMBO TWO-PIECE FLOATING DISCS LINE 09.9313.33 Brake disc 390x36mm, 5, internally vented, slotted/perforated, two-part brake disc, Coated, High-carbon
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 390
  • Brake Disc Type: internally vented, slotted / perforated, two-part brake disc
  • Product line: TWO-PIECE FLOATING DISCS LINE
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 36
  • Height [mm]: 65
  • Surface: Coated
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 67
  • Number of Holes: 5
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 33
  • Machining: High-carbon
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: yes
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 09.9313.33
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 390x36mm, 5, internally vented, slotted/perforated, two-part brake disc, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.9313.33
£ 352,42
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
BREMBO TWO-PIECE DISCS LINE 09.C400.13 Brake disc 345x24mm, 5, internally vented, slotted/perforated, two-part brake disc, Coated, High-carbon
Reviews - 14
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 345
  • Brake Disc Type: internally vented, slotted / perforated, two-part brake disc
  • Product line: TWO-PIECE DISCS LINE
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 24
  • Height [mm]: 66
  • Surface: Coated
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 75
  • Number of Holes: 5
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 22,4
  • Machining: High-carbon
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: yes
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 09.C400.13
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 345x24mm, 5, internally vented, slotted/perforated, two-part brake disc, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.C400.13
£ 118,65
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO F 78 019 Brake caliper Grey Cast Iron, behind the axle, Front Axle Right
Reviews - 2
Parts Details
  • Brake System: SUMITOMO
  • Fitting Position: behind the axle, Front Axle Right
  • Brake Caliper Type: Brake Caliper (4 pistons)
  • Material: Grey Cast Iron
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 26
  • paired article number: F 78 018
  • Piston Diameter [mm]: 40
  • BREMBO: Brake caliper
  • Item number: F 78 019
  • Our price: £ 84,37
  • Condition: Remanufactured
Details
BREMBO Brake caliper Grey Cast Iron, behind the axle, Front Axle Right
Article number: F 78 019
£ 84,37
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO COATED DISC LINE 08.5085.31 Brake disc 240x11mm, 4, solid, Perforated, Coated
Reviews - 17
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 240
  • Brake Disc Type: solid, Perforated
  • Product line: COATED DISC LINE
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 11
  • Height [mm]: 40
  • Surface: Coated
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 59
  • Number of Holes: 4
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 9,2
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 98
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: yes
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 08.5085.31
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 240x11mm, 4, solid, Perforated, Coated
Article number: 08.5085.31
£ 27,87
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-60%
TRW BDA687 Carrier, brake caliper
Reviews - 4
Parts Details
  • Manufacturer Restriction: TRW
  • for brake disc thickness [mm]: 16
  • Colour: red
  • TRW: Carrier, brake caliper
  • Item number: BDA687
  • Our price: £ 39,65
  • Condition: New
Details
TRW Carrier, brake caliper
Article number: BDA687
compared to RRP £ 100,81

£ 39,65
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs

The advantages and disadvantages of disc brakes

car disc brake advantages

  • Heat dissipation. The components are exposed and have a large surface area, allowing the heat from the discs to dissipate into the atmosphere and preventing overheating.
  • Better performance in all weather conditions. They are even efficient in wet conditions and don’t grab or slip like drum brakes.
  • Easy to install. There are fewer components and they’re fairly easy to disassemble. For example, you can easily replace the brake pads on your car yourself.
  • Expensive. More expensive to manufacture than drums.
  • Wear. The discs and pads provide more stopping power but tend to wear out much faster.
  • Warping. The discs can warp at high speed braking due to extreme temperatures.

Need to replace your brakes?

If you notice squealing or grinding sounds when braking, or find it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, it could be time to replace the braking components. Whether you’re looking for BMW brake discs or brake drum parts for your Renault, you can find braking system parts at very low prices online.

AUTODOC Bestsellers: parts at a good price

QUICK BRAKE 113-1455X Guide Sleeve Kit, brake caliper
Reviews - 3
Parts Details
  • Quantity per axle: 2
  • QUICK BRAKE: Guide Sleeve Kit, brake caliper
  • Item number: 113-1455X
  • Condition: New
Details
QUICK BRAKE Guide Sleeve Kit, brake caliper
Article number: 113-1455X
£ 5,89
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
23144 BREMBO P 50 045 Brake pad set PRIME LINE - Ring, prepared for wear warning indicator, with brake caliper screws, with accessories
Reviews - 82
Parts Details
  • Quantity Unit: Axle Set
  • Brake System: Lucas
  • Wear Warning Contact: prepared for wear warning indicator
  • Supplementary Info: PRIME LINE - Ring
  • Thickness [mm]: 20
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with accessories
  • Height 1 [mm]: 62
  • Height 2 [mm]: 70
  • Width [mm]: 131
  • WVA Number: 23144, 23145
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with brake caliper screws
  • directional
  • BREMBO: Brake pad set
  • Item number: P 50 045
  • Our price: £ 22,37
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake pad set PRIME LINE - Ring, prepared for wear warning indicator, with brake caliper screws, with accessories
Article number: P 50 045
£ 22,37
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO COATED DISC LINE 09.8780.21 Brake disc 355x32mm, 5, internally vented, slotted, Coated, High-carbon
Reviews - 6
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 355
  • Brake Disc Type: internally vented, slotted
  • Product line: COATED DISC LINE
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 32
  • Height [mm]: 53
  • Surface: Coated
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 71
  • Number of Holes: 5
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 30
  • Machining: High-carbon
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: no
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 09.8780.21
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 355x32mm, 5, internally vented, slotted, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.8780.21
£ 95,01
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO G 00 075 Mounting Paste Tube, not metalliferous, Heat-resistant, Capacity: 75ml
Reviews - 61
Parts Details
  • Consistency (property): Creamy
  • Capacity [ml]: 75
  • Quantity Unit: Millilitre
  • Packing Type: Tube
  • Chemical Properties: not metalliferous, Heat-resistant
  • BREMBO: Mounting Paste
  • Item number: G 00 075
  • Our price: £ 6,46
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Mounting Paste Tube, not metalliferous, Heat-resistant, Capacity: 75ml
Article number: G 00 075
£ 6,46
Price per item
£ 86,13 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO COATED DISC LINE 08.7165.11 Brake disc 230x9mm, 5, solid, Coated
Reviews - 24
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 230
  • Brake Disc Type: solid
  • Product line: COATED DISC LINE
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 9
  • Height [mm]: 40
  • Surface: Coated
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 65
  • Number of Holes: 5
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 7
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 120
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: no
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 08.7165.11
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 230x9mm, 5, solid, Coated
Article number: 08.7165.11
£ 16,54
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
MAPCO 9732 Brake Set, drum brakes Rear Axle, with wheel brake cylinder, with accessories
Reviews - 5
Parts Details
  • Fitting Position: Rear Axle
  • Width [mm]: 40
  • Material: Grey Cast Iron
  • Quantity Unit: Set
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with wheel brake cylinder, with accessories
  • Multi-piece: Multi-piece
  • Inner brake drum diameter [mm]: 200
  • Piston Diameter [mm]: 19
  • MAPCO: Brake Set, drum brakes
  • Item number: 9732
  • Our price: £ 38,48
  • Condition: New
Details
MAPCO Brake Set, drum brakes Rear Axle, with wheel brake cylinder, with accessories
Article number: 9732
£ 38,48
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO S 23 529 Brake Shoe Set 180 x 32 mm, with handbrake lever
Reviews - 26
Parts Details
  • Width [mm]: 32
  • Brake System: Bosch
  • Inner brake drum diameter [mm]: 180
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with handbrake lever
  • BREMBO: Brake Shoe Set
  • Item number: S 23 529
  • Our price: £ 19,00
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake Shoe Set 180 x 32 mm, with handbrake lever
Article number: S 23 529
£ 19,00
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
KS556 BOSCH 0 204 114 556 Brake Set, drum brakes with accessories, with wheel brake cylinder
Reviews - 14
Parts Details
  • Width [mm]: 42
  • Brake Pad: with lining
  • Adjustment: with automatic adjustment
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with accessories, with wheel brake cylinder
  • Inner brake drum diameter [mm]: 229
  • Mounting Type: Pre-assembled
  • Piston Diameter [mm]: 22,2
  • BOSCH: Brake Set, drum brakes
  • Item number: 0 204 114 556
  • Our price: £ 55,76
  • Condition: New
Details
BOSCH Brake Set, drum brakes with accessories, with wheel brake cylinder
Article number: 0 204 114 556
£ 55,76
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
FEBI BILSTEIN 171531 Splash Panel, brake disc Front Axle Left
Reviews - 18
Parts Details
  • paired article number: 171532
  • Fitting Position: Front Axle Left
  • Weight [kg]: 0,315
  • Observe service information
  • FEBI BILSTEIN: Splash Panel, brake disc
  • Item number: 171531
  • Our price: £ 8,95
  • Condition: New
Details
FEBI BILSTEIN Splash Panel, brake disc Front Axle Left
Article number: 171531
£ 8,95
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO 08.3947.24 Brake disc 258x10mm, 4, solid
Reviews - 5
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 258
  • Brake Disc Type: solid
  • Brake Disc Thickness [mm]: 10
  • Height [mm]: 60
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 62
  • Number of Holes: 4
  • Minimum thickness [mm]: 8,4
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 120
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bolts / screws
  • Drilled: no
  • BREMBO: Brake disc
  • Item number: 08.3947.24
  • Condition: New
Details
BREMBO Brake disc 258x10mm, 4, solid
Article number: 08.3947.24
£ 21,20
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs

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