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**antz.bin** · 08-21-2012, 06:40 PM

Query Approved

**Divya Sharan** · 08-21-2012, 10:43 PM

Originally posted by Ash_win View Post

Comparing to Disc's why are drum brakes so inefficient? I own a TVS star city. pure commuter bike. The brakes really scare me. I always follow the front 60 and back 40 type braking with correct tire pressures. Every time i brake hardly its sure that the bike wouldn't stop. I asked my mechanic to look at it last time he said he cleaned it. Was okay for the first week but now the stopping distance have greatly increased. Its monsoon here so i guess its because of that. Is there anything else i can do to to increase the breaking ?

This is why the relatively costlier (initial cost) disc brakes were introduced in the first place.
Discs will always have more bite.

But, you can get your drum brakes tightened and ensure prompt replacement of brake pads from time to time. Even discs lose little bite in monsoons.

**princesirohi** · 08-22-2012, 12:43 AM

if you keep your brakes in proper condition, tighten them time to time and replace brake pads whenever necessary and use original brake pads, it should not be much of a problem.

ppl used to ride two wheelers when there where no disc brakes, right.?

**prajnyan** · 08-22-2012, 06:32 AM

Originally posted by Ash_win View Post

Comparing to Disc's why are drum brakes so inefficient? I own a TVS star city. pure commuter bike. The brakes really scare me. I always follow the front 60 and back 40 type braking with correct tire pressures. Every time i brake hardly its sure that the bike wouldn't stop. I asked my mechanic to look at it last time he said he cleaned it. Was okay for the first week but now the stopping distance have greatly increased. Its monsoon here so i guess its because of that. Is there anything else i can do to to increase the breaking ?

Use gear down for a faster braking effect. P.S: It consumes more fuel and strains the chain and engine overall. This tactic only to be used during emergency braking.

**Hackdrag** · 08-22-2012, 04:00 PM

Try different brake pads,
Check the brake levels
Try Different Braking techniques

Engine Barking
Gear Down Braking
Combined Barkning [Using front and back together care fully]

Try all the above techniqes in an isolated straight road
Practice braking, Use which you feel confident and conformable

Drive Safe

**rookieraj** · 08-23-2012, 02:29 AM

Originally posted by Ash_win View Post

Comparing to Disc's why are drum brakes so inefficient? .... Its monsoon here so i guess its because of that. Is there anything else i can do to to increase the breaking ?

Get to learn to adjust the brakes yourself. Also check if any water is seeping into the drums and making your brake shoes wet.

**reachsamik** · 08-24-2012, 02:33 AM

can go with a disc brake mod but it will cost approx 5k. otherwise maintain your existing brakes as above said.
ensure that brake shoes are not worn,
if there is a squeezing sound then it needs to be cleaned. periodically rub the brakepads by a sandpaper as well as the rim walls.
can apply some ( nail polish remover) or something like that with a cloth to rub the rim walls after cleaning to wipe off any dirt residue.
adjust brake lever and the tightness ( not too much) ** after adjusting check the wheel for a free rotation** and you will get better results.
I clean my brakes myself and believe me i have a bajaj discover 100 with drum brakes and i have performed some damn emergency brakes over 70kmph's and somehow managed to stop my bike.
( though after those i took a few minutes to calm down my nerves and to move on)

**Ash_win** · 08-24-2012, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by princesirohi View Post

if you keep your brakes in proper condition, tighten them time to time and replace brake pads whenever necessary and use original brake pads, it should not be much of a problem.

ppl used to ride two wheelers when there where no disc brakes, right.?

Yeah! thats true

Some people never used the front brakes

**Ash_win** · 08-24-2012, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by reachsamik View Post

can go with a disc brake mod but it will cost approx 5k. otherwise maintain your existing brakes as above said.
ensure that brake shoes are not worn,
if there is a squeezing sound then it needs to be cleaned. periodically rub the brakepads by a sandpaper as well as the rim walls.
can apply some ( nail polish remover) or something like that with a cloth to rub the rim walls after cleaning to wipe off any dirt residue.
adjust brake lever and the tightness ( not too much) ** after adjusting check the wheel for a free rotation** and you will get better results.
I clean my brakes myself and believe me i have a bajaj discover 100 with drum brakes and i have performed some damn emergency brakes over 70kmph's and somehow managed to stop my bike.
( though after those i took a few minutes to calm down my nerves and to move on)

lol

Well i'm not a DIY type. so i guess i'll leave it to the SC guys. I don't want a disc brake. I just want my drums to be a bit more efficient!

Thanks for the advice I appreciate it.

**been there** · 08-24-2012, 03:17 PM

Here is what I think will help you.

A vehicle's braking is dependent on many factors, such as the condition of drum, brake pad, water or moisture content in the assembly, road condition and weather conditions.

But the most important factor is the momentum of the vehicle. And that is an output of the speed and weight of the vehicle.

So here is my advice. Drive slow and stay under 50 when you can clearly see the road ahead and under 40 when you cannot. You will be just fine and will be satisfied with the brake performance.

**Ash_win** · 08-24-2012, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by been there View Post

Here is what I think will help you.

A vehicle's braking is dependent on many factors, such as the condition of drum, brake pad, water or moisture content in the assembly, road condition and weather conditions.

But the most important factor is the momentum of the vehicle. And that is an output of the speed and weight of the vehicle.

So here is my advice. Drive slow and stay under 50 when you can clearly see the road ahead and under 40 when you cannot. You will be just fine and will be satisfied with the brake performance.

Till 50 i can manage, a dead stop from 60/80 is impossible either it will lock the back tires or will have to wait till eternity to stop the vehicle, I've had that problem once an idiot in a car took a U turn with no signal. had to push/pull the brakes real hard and locked my back tire and had that "fishtail" experience

The road was good, no rains was doing 70! city ride

**Divya Sharan** · 08-27-2012, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by Ash_win View Post

Till 50 i can manage, a dead stop from 60/80 is impossible either it will lock the back tires or will have to wait till eternity to stop the vehicle, I've had that problem once an idiot in a car took a U turn with no signal. had to push/pull the brakes real hard and locked my back tire and had that "fishtail" experience

The road was good, no rains was doing 70! city ride

Classic example of using rear brakes more than the front. Kindly maintain 70:30 front:rear braking technique.
Applies to drum/discs.

Practice braking in a parking lot/safe zone.

**Ash_win** · 08-27-2012, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by Divya Sharan View Post

Classic example of using rear brakes more than the front. Kindly maintain 70:30 front:rear braking technique.
Applies to drum/discs.

Practice braking in a parking lot/safe zone.

ya

That was panic braking, yes I will try and practice that. Thank You!

**shoeb2015** · 08-29-2012, 12:09 AM

Use ANL or ASK brake shoes (asbestos type) and see the difference.
OE shoes are non asbestos type so they last longer but don't provide enough bite.
If you have a habit of resting the foot on the rear brake pedal then check if the rear brake shoes has glazed.
Asbestos shoes don't last much but the stopping power they provide is very good.
(Please NOTE-Asbestos is a known carcinogen,dust particles of it can cause respiratory tract cancer)

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