The Disadvantages of the Drum Brakes Pulling

A vehicle uses the drum brakes for two purposes: stopping and holding the vehicle. The emergency brake typically links to rear brake drums and partially engages the brake when activated. Stopping the vehicle activates both piston and springs within the drum brake to stop the momentum of the vehicle. A pulling drum brake poses safety issues and a high potential for collateral damage to your vehicle.

Stopping Power

You lose stopping power when the drum brakes fail. Typically, rear drum brakes provide 40 percent of a vehicle's stopping power. A pulling drum brake implies that the other brake is damaged if you notice the pulling when stopping or that the pulling brake is over-adjusted if you notice the pulling while driving. Either situation results in brake failure if the issue continues uncorrected. The pads, internal springs, and caliper wear down faster.

Tires and Driveline

Rear-wheel drive vehicles distribute the engine's power between the rear wheels. You place the rear differential under greater stress when one of the rear drum brakes pulls. The stress translates to greater wear and tear on the rear axle and related components inside the rear differential that may lead to leaks or total failure. The tires begin to wear unevenly. The tire that sees the most pulling wears down much more rapidly than the other tires. The damage becomes more noticeable and happens rapidly once the damage appears on the tire.

Alignment and Suspension

Pulling brakes forces the weight of the vehicle to shift toward the wheel well that is pulling. The shift in weight translates to higher pressures placed on the suspension of the wheel well, increasing the potential for suspension damage. The wheel alignment quickly begins to misalign regardless of the location of the pulling brake. Both front and rear alignments need to be done when you notice your brakes pulling.