Brake Drum
A Brake Drum is a component of the air brake system of heavy-duty trucks and semi-trailers. The cylindrical drum attaches to the wheel hub, which rotates with the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, pressurized air rotates the camshaft, which spreads the brake shoes apart to apply pressure to the brake drum. This creates braking force to slow or stop the vehicle.
Key Trailer Air Brake Components
Air Compressor: Generates compressed air.
Air Tank (Reservoir): Stores compressed air.
Brake Pedal: Activates the braking mechanism.
Valves: Controls the flow of compressed air.
Brake Chambers: Converts compressed air into mechanical force.
Brake Drums: Generates braking force to slow or stop the vehicle.
Brake Shoes or Pads: Applies pressure to the drums or rotors to create friction and stop the trailer.
S-Cam: Spreads brake shoes apart to apply pressure to the drums.
Slack Adjusters: Multiplies the push rod force by the slack length to create a rotational force (torque) to rotate the brake camshaft when the brake treadle is depressed.