The cost of unplanned downtime can be as high as $9,000 per minute.
Drum brakes are essential for the operations of businesses in many industries. The unexpected need for a drum brake replacement can cost significant time and money. You can minimize the damage by being prepared.
Learn more about drum brake replacement in heavy industry and how to get brakes back to optimal performance.
1. The Whole Brake Mechanism May Not Need Replacement
If you notice problems like unusual noise or vibration in your drum brakes, you may not need to replace the entire brake mechanism. Drum brakes include:
- Drum
- Backing plate
- Brake shoe
- Wheel cylinder
- Return springs
- Self-adjuster
Worn brake shoes can cause a range of noises, like squeaking, scraping, or grinding sounds. If you notice the problem soon enough, you can replace the brake shoes and prevent damage to other brake components.
A worn brake drum can cause vibrations when braking. A warped drum doesn’t make proper contact with the shoes. If other brake parts haven’t been compromised, you can replace the drum to fix the problem.
An inspection will show how many parts need replacement.
2. Choosing the Right Drum Brake Replacement Is Critical
Drum brakes come in many different types to match the application. Accidentally choosing the wrong type could result in catastrophic failure.
A drum brake must have enough braking torque. It must be a size and model that can dissipate the energy from braking without overheating. Other design factors include:
- Electro-hydraulic or magnetic actuator
- AC or DC power
- Shunt or series-wound coils
- AISE or DIN standards
In most cases, the drum brake replacement should be the same as the original brake. However, if you need a drum brake replacement due to unusual wear, the original brake may not have been the best for the application. An industrial brake specialist can help evaluate the best solution for different drum brake applications.
3. Quality Parts Are Worth the Cost
A drum brake replacement is not the place to cut costs. Drum brakes are essential for the safety of your operations. When a drum brake replacement is necessary, quality matters.
You can choose OEM or aftermarket brakes. Original OEM parts provide reliable quality. They’re usually more expensive, though.
Aftermarket drum brakes are typically more economical. You can find high-quality parts if you use the right manufacturer. In addition, aftermarket parts may help you meet the specific demands of your application.
Find the Best Industrial Drum Brakes and Parts for Every Application
Problems with your industrial drum brake can’t be ignored. Optimal brake performance is essential for your operations.
A detailed inspection will show whether a full drum brake replacement is necessary. High-quality parts from a reliable manufacturer will continue to meet your application’s demands.
Kor-Pak manufactures and supplies OEM and aftermarket parts. We specialize in industrial brakes. We can design a custom drum brake if our extensive catalog doesn’t have exactly what you need.
Contact Kor-Pak today for a quote or more information about our industrial drum brakes.