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The brake drum is a heavy flat-topped cylinder, which is usually
sandwiched between the wheel rim and the drive wheel. The inside
surface of the drum is acted upon by the friction material of the
brake shoes. When the brakes are applied, the friction material of
the brake shoes is forced into contact with the brake drums to slow
the rotation of the wheels. The friction between the tires and the
road surface then slows the car's speed. Drum brakes are found on the
rear wheels of most cars, but they are increasingly being fazed out
in favor of rear disc brakes. Drum brakes were standard equipment on
the front wheels of most cars until the early 70's.
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