Author Archive: Sales and Support

5 Steps to a Thorough Overhead Crane Inspection

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A whopping 2.9 million injuries and illnesses in private U.S. workplaces occurred in 2016. Granted, this was almost 50,000 fewer than the previous year, but it’s still a considerable number.

What’s more, many of these were preventable, if only employers made sure they conducted proper workplace safety policies.

This is especially true for organizations relying on heavy machinery, such as cranes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that from 2011 to 2015, 220 crane-related fatal injuries occurred. After all, there are over 250,000 crane operators throughout the country.

It’s for this reason; complete overhead crane inspection programs are a must in your business. Failure to can cause serious repercussions extending beyond legal liabilities. It’s the safety and lives of your people (and the general public), after all.

So, read on to make sure your inspections are complete and thorough!

1. Make Sure You Have a Qualified Inspector to Do the Job

First, make sure the person who’ll carry out the job has adequate experience in conducting OSHA crane inspection services. That means a complete understanding of the appropriate crane-related Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

For instance, there’s the OSHA 1910.179, ASME B30.2. It consists of regulations for the inspections for overhead cranes. It also covers general and maintenance requirements, as well as proper operating procedures for such equipment.

In any case, it’s essential that your overhead inspector meets all the required qualifications.

2. The Daily Inspections

To comply with all regulations surrounding crane safety, you need to ensure your inspector conducts the necessary daily inspections. These include a thorough checking of the following components:

  • Possible incorrect adjustments or excessive wearing of functional operating mechanisms
  • Damages, such as leaks, in the equipment’s air/hydraulic components (including drain pumps, lines, tanks, and valves)
  • Visible cracks or damages of hooks
  • Excessive wearing or deformation (twisting or distortion) of hoist chains

Again, the inspector should perform these checks on a day to day basis.

3. The Monthly Inspections

At the end of the month, your crane inspector should take a closer look at any deformed or cracked crane hook. The inspector should have a written, signed, and dated record of the findings.

The same is true for the hoist chains, and end connections found to have excessive wearing (during the daily inspections).

Finally, there’s the once-a-month wire rope inspection. Again, the inspector should note and sign all details of wearing and damages, such as broken strands, for each identified rope.

4. The Periodic Inspections

How “often” depends on how much use your cranes receive. You may have to carry out these inspections once a month, every quarter, or twice a year.

  • For load inaccuracies, the inspector needs to perform a crane load test
  • Any type of damage (deformation or cracking) on members
  • Unsecured (too loose) bolts or rivets
  • Worn parts of the braking system
  • Excessive wearing of pins, gears, lock and clamp systems, etc.

Periodic inspections also include checking for any deterioration of electrical components (limit switches, pushbuttons, etc.).

5. Proper Maintenance

No matter how serious your inspectors are in doing their jobs, it’s all to no avail without preventive maintenance. Proper inspections and crane maintenance always go hand in hand.

In other words, if the inspector finds damages on any components, they should undergo the needed maintenance or repairs ASAP.

Keep the Jobsite Safe and Injury-Free with an OSHA-Complying Crane Inspection Program

Workplaces that depend on heavy machines are some of the most dangerous job sites in the U.S. With a complete crane inspection program, along with proper equipment maintenance, you can bring down the safety hazards your workers are at risk of.

Ready to create a safer, healthier place for all your hardworking people? Then please feel free to connect with us! We can help you reach OSHA compliance with all your crane-related inspections.

What Are Drum Brakes and How They Work?

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Every industry aims for maximum efficiency and safety. One minute of unplanned downtime costs companies thousands of dollars. In fact, 98% of industrial organizations say one hour of downtime costs them at least $100,000.

Regular equipment maintenance reduces potential downtime, thus reducing the chance of losing money. But having the right equipment and knowing how it works is also important.

In this guide, we answer the question, “What are drum brakes?” and explain how they work.

What are Drum Brakes?

The average person may immediately think of automobiles when they hear the term “drum brake.” But for more than half a century, the marine, mining, and energy industries all used drum brakes. Since then, drum brakes have evolved to fit the needs of dozens of industries.

Industrial brakes get subjected to much harsher applications than auto brakes. In most cases, industrial brakes operate in harsh conditions and in remote locations. Safe and efficient drum brakes meet AISE or DIN standards.

How do They Work?

In drum brakes, the brake lining attaches to a shoe. The most common drum brake design has two shoes mounted on either side of a drum.

How drum brakes work is air or hydraulic pressure presses the shoes onto the drum which causes friction. The friction causes deceleration.

When choosing a brake for your application, you must consider the braking torque. Drum brakes come in many sizes, so you have to select the right model that dissipates the energy during stopping without overheating.

In general, you determine torque by the drive motor. For cranes, this should be 75-100% of drive motor torque. For crane hoists and other similar applications, the factor is 150-200% of the motor torque.

Size and weight are important in mechanical brakes. Common size considerations for friction brakes include:

  • Drum thickness
  • Drum diameter
  • Total pad area
  • Wearable friction area (the surface area of the brake lining)
  • Running clearance (distance between the brake lining and surface area when brakes aren’t engaged)
  • Lining thickness

Reputable drum brake manufactures can also machine drum brakes to your specifications.

Drum Brake Components

Drum brakes consist of 12 components:

  • Wheel cylinder
  • Upper return spring
  • Push rod
  • Adjuster wedge
  • Adjuster spring
  • Parking brake cable
  • Lower return spring
  • Parking brake arm
  • Hold down spring
  • Shoe
  • Spindle
  • Locating spring

All these components work to slow the machine. You should also know how to install and replace drum brakes to reduce the amount of machinery downtime. Simple troubleshooting can save you time and money if your machine isn’t working as efficiently as it should.

What is Their Application?

Drum brakes get used in many different industries. The industries with the most common applications for drum brakes are:

  • Material handling
  • Marine
  • Mining
  • Oil and gas rigging
  • Military
  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Construction

While the auto industry has switched to disc brakes, other vehicles like cranes and heavy machinery still use drum brakes. Drum brakes allow heavier workloads that need increased torque.

Keep Your Heavy Machinery Operating

Your machinery makes you money, and when it’s not operating at peak efficiency, it’ll cost you money too. Now that the questions, “What are drum brakes and how do they work” have answers, you’ll understand the engineering of your machinery better.

You should also have a better understanding of the importance of quality drum brakes. That’s where Kor-Pak comes in.

Kor-Pak Industries provides parts to some of the biggest names in manufacturing. We sell quality products and build special orders. Visit our product page for more info or contact us with any questions.

The Different Types of Brake Linings Material

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Is it time for new brake linings?

With all the options out there, how do you decide which brake linings material to choose from?

Don’t worry. We’ll explain the different types of brake linings materials and help you discover which will best suit your needs.

Non-Asbestos

Once upon a time, brake linings were made out of asbestos. Asbestos is a natural substance made of silicate minerals. It is heat resistant and provides excellent insulation. However, it is very harmful to humans.

Asbestos fibers cannot break down. So, if asbestos is inhaled or consumed, it damages the body over time leading to inflammation, scarring, diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer.

Luckily, today we have safe alternatives.

Non-asbestos, also called organic, brake linings on today’s market are made of various safe and natural materials including rubber, resin, Kevlar, and glass. There is little metal in non-asbestos brake linings which makes them less durable but quieter than metallic linings. Plus, they are not harmful to the environment.

Semi-metallic

Semi-metallic brake linings are made of up to 65% metals. They contain a mixture of metals, usually including brass, copper, iron, or steel. They also contain fillers and graphite lubricant.

Semi-metallic linings are the most durable. They will last longer than non-asbestos and can be more efficient than other types of brake materials. This is because the metallic composition helps remove heat from the rotor.

While they’re highly affordable, the downside to semi-metallic brake linings is they are noisier and create dust.

Ceramic

Ceramic brake linings are just as the name entails. They are made of ceramic, similar to pottery, and added copper fibers. They are the newest type of brake pads and used in most new high-performance vehicles.

Ceramic brake linings are lightweight and prevent metal-to-metal wear. They are the longest lasting, quietest (you can’t hear a thing), and the dust does not stick to the wheels or vehicle. They are easy on the rotor, too.

All of the benefits and novelty of ceramic brake linings make them the most expensive option on the market.

Which Brake Linings Material Should you Choose?

Deciding which type of brake linings materials is best for you will depend on your machinery needs and budget. Each variety of brake linings has its pros and cons. Think about your environment, machine, use, and longevity to help you decide.

Clean and quiet brake linings may not have as much bite in cold temperatures. More powerful brake linings may mean cleaning the brake dust every week.

Do you need brake linings that will hold up under a wide range of temperatures or have a high thermal threshold? If so, then semi-metallic may be the way to go.

Or does heat not matter and you’re looking for the most extended life-span? Then perhaps ceramic linings.

We’ve got you Covered

At Kor-Pak, we have all your industrial brake and clutch accessory needs, including brake linings materials. We also offer equipment installation and repair services.

Check out our brake products and contact us today to get started on your order.

How Friction Modifiers Are Helping the Railroad Industry

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Since its conception in the late 19th century, the railroad industry has changed the American way of life. We owe the development of several early cities and towns to our railroads.

And here’s something else we owe them: a little maintenance.

The last century has been hard on those railroads. So finding ways to update and repair them is imperative. Fortunately, some industry experts are already revitalizing our railroad systems via friction modifiers.

What, though, is a friction modifier? And how are friction modifiers helping the railroad industry thrive?

Continue reading to find out how friction modifiers are benefiting the railroad industry.

What Is a Friction Modifier?

A friction modifier is a polar molecule you can find in commercial lubricants. Manufacturers add these modifiers to lubricants to minimize light surface contacts.

They’re essential in the railroad industry because trains continuously roll and slide atop rails. This contact causes friction which leads to less effective journeys for freight trains.

That said, let’s take a look at how friction modifiers benefit the railroad industry.

Lengthening Rails’ Lifespans

Friction wears down rails. And worn down rails increase maintenance costs for companies.

But friction modifiers reduce these costs by reducing surface contacts because fewer surface contact means less friction.

Of course, modifiers can only prevent so much friction. As a result, they don’t negate the need for regular preventative maintenance.

Improving Trains’ Fuel Economy

There’s another unfortunate truth about friction:

It slows down trains while they’re traveling from one destination to another. And slower journeys have two major effects on the railroad industry:

  1. Goods aren’t delivered as quickly as they could be.
  2. Extra fuel is used to combat the friction.

The first point is relevant to both manufacturers and consumers. When goods don’t arrive in a timely fashion, manufacturers can’t ship them off to retailers or customers as quickly as they’d like.

The loss of fuel is a significant problem for anyone who has a stake in the railroad industry because lost fuel is lost money for investors.

Reducing Noise

As of 2015, approximately 48 million Americans were suffering from some degree of hearing loss. And why are we telling you this?

It is because friction modifiers can significantly reduce the noise trains emit. This noise reduction is a boon to train engineers and workers who are subjected to loud noises at work.

Noise reduction can also be beneficial to residents who live near railroads. This noise is an inconvenience and can lower the property value.

Providing Green Solutions

Railroads pass through several different types of terrains on each journey. They pass by rivers, valleys, and canyons.

Which is why you want the chemicals used on them to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Luckily, there are several green friction modifiers on the market. These modifiers are making our railroad systems better for our environment.

Interested in Learning More About Friction Modifiers?

The benefits of friction modifiers listed here have only scratched the surface of modifiers’ utility to the industry. There’s much more to learn about how they’re benefiting the industry.

That said, don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re still curious about friction modifiers. We’ll help you figure out if they’re a practical solution for you.

 

3 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Crane Equipment

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For cranes to work effectively, specific requirements are needed. Modern cranes have all of the elements that cranes need today. If your cranes aren’t working to their fullest potential, they’re probably outdated.

Overhead cranes can last decades if properly maintained. But outdated cranes may not work correctly, creating an unsafe and unreliable experience for you and your workers.

If repair is out of the question, it’s probably time to replace your crane. Brand new cranes can improve production and offer a safe working environment.

Do you think you need to use modern crane equipment? Here are three signs it’s time to upgrade to new cranes.

1. Your Production and Lifting Requirements Changed

Production changes are common. When you got your original crane systems, it was probably designed to service your initiall crane requirements.

But changes to your system can dramatically impact your old crane’s performance.

If your new requirements call for more crane use, this can damage the crane. This includes damage to the controls, hoist, end trucks, trolley, and drive systems.

If there are business changes and you need your cranes to work differently, this is an excellent time to invest in new crane equipment.

2. You’re Enduring Frequent Crane Repair

Do you notice your crane performs in a faulty manner regularly?

Crane shutdowns interfere with your work performance. Repairs take time, and you’ll end up spending a lot of money. This is time and money you can save if you invest in new crane equipment.

Older cranes naturally need more preventative maintenance and repairs than newer cranes.

Even though you may not find it necessary to replace your correctly working old crane, a new crane will reduce time and money from maintenance.

If you find yourself calling for crane repair, it’s more cost-worthy to replace your whole crane system.

3. You Find Issues After an Inspection

You know the required crane specifications and the inspections you’re forced to endure. What if issues were uncovered after an inspection? Rather than cut corners by repairing or covering up the problem, it’s best to invest in a new crane.

New cranes will give you the comfort that your inspections will always pass. New cranes offer more safety and better work performance. There’s little chance of performance downtimes, and you’ll have your new crane for decades.

If an inspection reveals problems with your older crane system, be safe and invest in a brand new crane.

Time to Buy New Crane Equipment

Cranes have safety and performance standards. Oftentimes, your old crane doesn’t live up to these standards. Rather than undergoing constant repairs, it’s easier to buy new crane equipment.

Your workers will be safer, and your workflow will improve.

When inspections occur, you have the comfort of knowing your brand new crane will pass. And if you change your production requirements, you know your new crane can keep up with your unique needs.

Do you need a new crane or new crane parts? Take a look at our products.

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

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The United States has over 52 thousand wind turbines that are used to create renewable energy. Renewable energy has become increasingly more important due to the negative impact of non-renewable energy sources such as oil and coal.

Wind turbines are a great alternative that prevents adding further damage to the earth and its finite resources. But how do wind turbines work?

It’s essential to have a general understanding of how we use this incredible renewable energy source to fuel our everyday needs.

Learning about wind turbines allows us to continue to grow the wind energy industry throughout the country.

How Do Wind Turbines Work?

The future of the environment is in danger, and it’s time to put more resources into renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. Here are the basic principals of how wind turbines work and why it’s an excellent source of natural energy.

The Basic Anatomy of a Wind Turbine

Wind turbines stand tall, generally at over 320 feet, so they can collect more wind than they would closer to the ground.

Wind turbines consist of two or three propeller-like blades that rotate around a rotor. The wind blowing against the propellers is what allows the turbines to collect energy.

The anatomy of the blades on a wind turbine is vital in the creating of energy. The blades are curved so that when the wind blows against them, they are lifted in an upward motion, leading to a rotation.

The main turbine shaft connects the blades to everything else in the turbine so the energy can move through the turbine.

Wind turbines have a gearbox inside of them that makes the blades turn faster than they usually would without the gearbox, which produces more energy.

The rotor that is spinning is connected to a generator in the main shaft. The generator is the crucial part of a wind turbine because it’s what transforms the power.

When the rotor spins, it powers the generator which produces mechanical energy.

How Wind Turbines Transform Energy

When wind hits the turbine blades, kinetic energy is pulled from the wind and put into the turbine. The larger the blades are, the more kinetic energy it will pull from the wind.

Wind provides kinetic energy that can be converted into mechanical power through the wind turbine.

The faster the wind is blowing, the more kinetic energy it’s carrying. This means that stronger winds produce more energy. The turbines can collect more kinetic energy which transforms into more mechanical energy through the generator.

An electric current is then created from the energy produced by the wind and the generator. This electric current travels through a cable inside of the turbine and down into the transformer.

The transformer increases the voltage of the mechanical energy and sends it off to either a power grid or local communities.

For More Information

Wind turbines are an excellent option for producing renewable energy that does not lead to harmful greenhouse gas emissions that damage the environment.

If you have any more questions related to “how do wind turbines work?” Please contact us today for more information.

What Are Industrial Brake Pads Made of?

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When brake pads slam against high-speed disc rotors, it’s a marvel to think they don’t wear or tear much at all.

Really, it’s not the brake pad itself doing the work, but the brake lining, invented by auto genius Bertha Benz, that converts the kinetic energy to thermal.

This leads to the question: what are brake pads made of? What material can sustain this kind of heat?

The answer isn’t as simple as you might think.

In this article, we break down all the different materials that go into halting your vehicle (no pun intended).

The Early Days

In 1897, Herbert Frood was said to have created a sustainable kind of brake lining. This, of course, came after Bertha’s initial invention.

His innovation, however, was the asbestos brake pad.

The fibrous nature of the material gave it a heat-resistant property.

All following renovations of the brake pad followed suit: heat-resistant, water-resistant, and durable.

What Are Brake Pads Made Of? Purpose Matters

Apparently, for different kinds of jobs, you’re going to need different resources.

Some materials can sustain moisture better and live longer, whereas others don’t live as long, but provide gentle, smooth contact with a rotor.

Most racing brake pads are made out of full metal, being strong frictional material. Pretty much all of it is steel, fresh out the sintering process.

On the other hand, you’ll occasionally see some fully synthetic brake pads. Such linings are made out of high-boiling-point compounds, like:

  • cellulose
  • aramid
  • sintered glass

These aren’t typically the kind you want to buy, but they don’t fade quickly.

The commercial question, then, is between ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads.

Ceramic brake pads are usually made out of clay and porcelain which are attached to metal alloys with a binding agent.

The more aggressive brother, semi-metallic brake pads are usually compiled of flaky metals, interspersed with different alloys here and there.

The Why

Metallic and ceramic are the two kinds of brake pads you’ll most often see on the market.

Metallic brake pads are mostly used because they’re more aggressive, less expensive, and heavier duty.

The drawback to using mostly metal in your brake pads is that they’re often really loud and produce a lot of dust.

Not only that, they tend to wear a lot faster. That’s why it’s essential for racing vehicles to get new brake linings continually.

On the other hand, ceramic brake pads are usually better at taking the heat. They don’t wear down as quickly, and they won’t pack a punch on your rotors.

While ceramic pads do produce quite a bit of dust, it’s not as visible since the material itself is lighter.

Not to mention, they’re quiet as a mouse compared to entirely metallic brake pads.

Coming to a Complete Stop

Being informed about the what and why behind brake pads is extremely important to ensure you get the right tools for your job.

A simple, curious question like, “What are brake pads made of?” can increase your productivity tenfold. A little research can bring you exactly where you need to be.

And in this case, it has.

We have over 30 years of experience repairing and relining brake shoes and pads.

Have questions about what you’ve read here, or what you should be getting? Give us a call or drop us a message today. We’ll be happy to help you!

How It Works: Friction Material

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When you’re in your car and hit the brakes, you probably don’t think about how they work… Unless they don’t.

Finding out how frictional material works can help in more than just your car, though. It can also assist in an industrial setting where friction material is used.

Keep reading to find out what you need to know about brake friction material.

What are Friction Materials Used For?

Friction materials are used between two or more parts when there is a need to slow them down. By providing friction or resistance between moving parts, this causes them to slow down and then stop more quickly than without any friction applied.

The industries in which friction materials are used include cars and other vehicles, household appliances, defense, and heavy manufacturing. The creation of friction materials itself is a massive industry.

Common Types of Friction Material

Before its banning, many brakes were made from asbestos. After that, other materials were created to take its place.

Here are some of the most common types of friction materials today:

Non-asbestos Organic Materials

These were created specifically to replace asbestos in car brake pads. They’re made from a combination of various plant fibers including those from coconut shells which are pressed together and held with glue.

Most of these will also have up to 20% metal in them. This metal, most commonly brass, is used to dissipate the heat that occurs during braking. It also makes the material more abrasive.

Ceramic Materials

This friction is gaining in popularity within the auto industry, with many new vehicles featuring ceramic brakes. Ceramic brakes are actually a combination of copper and fibrous ceramic material.

It’s the fibrous ceramic material that provides the rough texture for friction while the copper helps with heat dissipation. The metal also aids in reducing vibration which can lead to noisy braking.

Semi-metallic Materials

Semi-metallic friction materials are similar in composition to non-asbestos organic materials, but they have a much higher metal content. These were most popular in the 80’s but have since been replaced by ceramic brakes.

These brakes were over 50% metal particles which made for excellent heat dissipation and allowed the brake pads to last longer. However, because of the damage it did to the brake rotor, these were mostly phased out by the end of the decade.

Which Friction Material is Best?

There’s no straight answer for this question because of how many factors need to be considered.

For the most part, ceramic friction material is preferred for cars and other vehicles. However, an industrial setting has different needs and may then want a semi-metallic friction material for how quickly it can stop a moving part.

Want to Learn More?

Now you know how frictional material works to slow and stop moving parts. You also learned about some of the most common materials used in brakes.

To continue learning more about industrial parts and how we can help you improve and increase your business, be sure to check out our blog.

A Brief History of Oil Rigs in America

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In the beginning, oil was unwanted. It was considered an annoying byproduct by drillers who were trying to locate brine wells.

Then a Canadian invented something called “rock oil” that could be used in lamps instead of hard-to-find whale oil. That plus a few other factors combined to create a demand for oil that is still felt today.

When we go to the gas station and get upset because gas prices have gone up overnight, we’re reacting to an increase in the price of crude oil. It’s such a large part of American life that most people don’t spend much time thinking about how we got to this point.

To understand our present, it helps to know about the history of oil. Read on to find out more about where oil has been and where it’s going.

Edwin Drake and the First Commercial Oil Wells

As far as nicknames go, Edwin Drake’s wasn’t exactly ideal. He was called “Crazy Drake” for all the time and money he devoted to the seemingly fruitless quest to find oil.

But on Aug. 27, 1859, Drake silenced the naysayers by hitting oil after drilling 69 feet into the ground in Titusville, Pennsylvania. The Drake oil well was the first commercial oil well, and it made the Keystone State the center of a new rush on oil.

While Drake was responsible for creating an innovative new system of drilling for oil, he neglected to patent that method and died without money. After his death, Time magazine referred to him as “a sickly, bearded, failure of a man in a stovepipe hat.”

Drake’s life may have had an ignoble ending, but oil history owes a debt to him for starting something much more significant than himself.

The History of Oil in Texas

The oil boom spread quickly, and in January 1901, the Spindletop gusher “blew out” in southeast Texas. A stream of oil soared to heights of more than 100 feet until it was capped nine days later.

The Spindletop oilfield was soon producing around 100,000 gallons of oil per day. It was located in a salt dome on the Gulf Coast, validating engineer Anthony Lucas’ belief that such salt domes were hiding mass amounts of oil. Roughnecks had to drill over 1,100 feet before they found the Lucas geyser, but that discovery completely reshaped both Texas and American history.

Before too long, swarms of investors began fanning out across the Lone Star State in search of oil and natural gas deposits. Today, oil rig equipment continues to dot the Texas landscape, and the energy industry is still a major part of the state’s economy.

A monument to the oil industry history created by Spindletop can be found on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont.

The Future of Oil

Now that we’ve covered the history of oil, it’s time to focus on the future.

We’re experts in the oil and petroleum industry. We’re especially proud of our ability to furnish clients with braking systems for both service rigs and draw-works.

We also excel at designing custom products. If you’ve got old equipment that needs to be reconditioned or retrofitted, we can handle that as well.

Learn about our areas of expertise, and then give us a call.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Industrial Drum Brakes

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When’s the last time you checked your industrial drum brakes?

If the brakes on your machinery aren’t working, they can bring your entire production system to a halt, costing you huge amounts of money. That’s why it’s important to keep them in check with regular maintenance.

In this post, we’ll tell you how to do that. Read on to find out how to check drum brakes and what the tell-tale signs of failure are.

How to Check Drum Brakes for Damage

When you’re carrying out brake maintenance, these are the signs you should be looking out for.

Noise

Noise is one of the first signs of bad drum brakes.

They may come in the form of squeaks, scraping, grinding or screeching sounds.

These usually occur when brake shoes are worn down. When they’re worn down completely, brake discs and calipers will start to rub together, causing scratching and other damage. An accumulation of dust and dirt may also cause noises.

When your brakes are in use, listen out for any abnormal sounds. If you notice any, you may need to replace some parts. Do this as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.

Otherwise, you’ll have to spend time and money replacing other parts as well as your brake pads.

Less Response than Usual

If your drum brakes are working correctly, you should feel them respond by slowing your machinery as soon as you press down on the pedal, lever or button required.

If they’re beginning to wear down or fail, their responsiveness will start to wane. You’ll notice that their ability to slow things down will be reduced, and you may have to apply more force to get the desired effect.

This is one of the most common signs of brake failure in vehicles and with machinery, the same rule applies.

Pulling

Do you feel as though certain parts of your machinery are pulling to one side when you operate the brakes?

This is a common sign of uneven wear on drum brakes. However, it could also be caused by problems with your brake fluid. Either way, it’s an easy fix. You’ll have to drain and adjust the brake fluid, replace the brake shoes, or perform a brake adjustment.

Vibration

If you’re noticing vibration occurring when you apply your brakes, you should check the rotors immediately. This is a sign that they’ve become warped.

This happens when brakes have been used for long periods of time or with great force. During brake use, rotors are subjected to large amounts of friction and heat.

Over time, they’ll begin to warp out of shape. As a result, they won’t sit flush to the brake pads, and that’s what causes those vibrations.

Inspect and Replace Your Drum Brakes

If you’re experiencing any of the above problems, it’s time for some brake maintenance.

You may need to adjust them. However, if things are serious, you may need to replacement altogether.

If you’re not sure how to check drum brakes, maintain them or replace them, we’ve got you covered. Read our guide to installing and replacing drum brakes for all you need to know.