How Are Performance and Fade Influenced by Brake Drum Weight

Brake drum configurations and drum mass distribution vary widely. Drum design is controlled by desired brake performance, and also by space limitations. Drum mass is most critical under the fade and recovery performance conditions, since the most important function of a brake drum is to dissipate heat. In tests, brake drum flare had a negative effect, retarding heat dissipation. Finned drums give as much as 15% more heat ejection per inch of moving the wheel outboard.