Which brake system utilizes brake shoes applied to a brake drum?

The brake system that utilizes brake shoes applied to a brake drum is known as the drum brake. In this system, the brake shoes expand against the inner surface of the brake drum to create friction, which slows down the vehicle. This design is particularly effective because the drum encases the brake shoes, providing a protected and enclosed environment for the brake components.

Drum brakes are commonly found in various applications, especially in older vehicles and certain rear axle systems where they can be more effective at generating brake force compared to other systems like disc brakes under specific conditions. The braking action is initiated when hydraulic pressure, generated by the brake pedal, forces the shoes outward against the drum, resulting in effective deceleration.

In contrast, other brake systems mentioned, such as disc brakes, utilize a different mechanism involving brake pads that grip a rotating disc, while hydraulic and air brakes refer to the method of actuation rather than the type of braking surface itself. Thus, the drum brake is uniquely identified by its use of brake shoes and drum configuration for its operation.