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Performance Friction Rotor D6178 | 381.181.30
Brand:
Performance Friction
SKU:
381.181.30
Price:
$320.52
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Drums For Peterbilt Trucks
Brake drums take a tremendous amount of punishment on a loaded Class 8 Peterbilt — absorbing heat from repeated stops, enduring the mechanical scrubbing of brake shoes, and cycling through wide temperature extremes. Worn, cracked, or out-of-round drums cause brake fade, uneven lining wear, and vibration during braking. We carry replacement brake drums for Peterbilt steer, drive, and trailer axle positions in standard and wide-base configurations.
Frequently asked questions about drums
How do I know when a brake drum needs to be replaced versus turned?
Every drum has a maximum diameter (discard dimension) stamped or cast into the drum. Once the drum has worn or been machined to that dimension, it must be replaced — it no longer has sufficient wall thickness to safely absorb braking heat. Before machining, always measure the current diameter and compare it to the discard spec to confirm there's enough material for a usable cut. Drums with heat cracks, deep scoring, or hard spots should be replaced regardless of diameter.
What causes brake drums to crack on a Peterbilt?
Drum cracking is almost always heat-related. Dragging brakes from an out-of-adjustment slack adjuster, aggressive downhill braking without proper gear selection, or a seized brake component can overheat a drum rapidly. The rapid temperature cycling from a hot drum hitting water — during a rain shower or crossing a flooded road — creates thermal shock that can crack even a good drum. Blue discoloration inside the drum is a reliable indicator of past overheating.
Do I need to replace brake shoes when I replace drums?
Not always, but it's strongly recommended to inspect shoe lining thickness and condition any time drums come off. If lining thickness is within spec and the shoes haven't been contaminated by grease or oil, they can be reused. However, if the drum was severely worn or out-of-round, the shoes may have worn to match the drum's irregular surface and will perform poorly against a new drum until they seat in.