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Summary
  • Brake drums are frequently exposed to harsh elements and driving conditions, which can quickly wear them down.
  • Some of the best aftermarket brands for brake drums are the Crown Brake Drums, the Centric C-Tek Series Brake Drums, and the ACDelco DuraStop Series Brake Drums.
  • Factors to consider when choosing a replacement brake drum include application, cost, and brand.

A brake drum is an essential part of your vehicle’s braking system. However, because of its function, it is frequently exposed to harsh elements and driving conditions that could quickly wear it down.

Consider replacing your brake drums at the first sign of damage. Choose replacements that are made from high-quality materials to avoid problems like premature wear and reduced braking performance.

Two brake drums
Brake drums wear out over time. Replace bad brake drums as soon as possible for your safety.

Looking for new brakes for your ride? Check out SureStop® brake parts. SureStop® is a trusted brand that manufactures an extensive line of OE-quality yet affordable replacement brakes. Engineered for superior stopping power and longevity, these parts are designed for quiet and low-dust braking.

5 Best Brake Drum Brands

There are many types of brake drums sold on the market today, so it can be hard to find the right replacement for your vehicle. To simplify your search, we’ve listed down five brands (and our recommended series within certain brands) known for manufacturing high-quality brake drums.

  • Crown Brake Drum
  • Centric C-Tek Series Brake Drum
  • ACDelco DuraStop Series Brake Drum
  • Motorcraft OE Replacement Series Brake Drum
  • Beck Arnley OE Replacement Series Brake Drum

Crown Brake Drums

Crown offers the best value for Jeep owners when it comes to brake drums. It manufactures and distributes quality replacement parts for Jeep and its affiliated brands.

Crown brake drums undergo strict and rigorous testing to guarantee their quality, performance, and longevity.

brake drum from Crown
Crown offers the best value for Jeep owners when it comes to brake drums.

Key Features:

  • Made of metal for durabilityMachine-finished for a sleek exterior
  • Guaranteed fit and easy installation
  • 1-year or 12,000-mile Crown limited warranty

Centric C-Tek Series Brake Drums

Centric is well-known for manufacturing topnotch brake system replacement parts. The Centric Parts C-Tek Standard Series is designed to provide next-level support to the vehicle’s braking system. Its brake drums are made of high-strength steel and balanced to provide optimum performance and durability.

brake drum from Centric
Centric is well-known for manufacturing topnotch brake system replacement parts.

Key Features:

  • Meets stringent OE quality standards
  • Crafted with steel for durability and maximum performance
  • Designed for high speed and heavy loads
  • Features double disc grinding and non-directional finish for a smooth, solid surface
  • Guaranteed fit and easy installation
  • 60-day or 3,000-mile Centric limited warranty

ACDelco DuraStop Series Brake Drums

As one of the premier brands in the automotive industry, ACDelco guarantees superior durability for all of its parts and accessories.

The ACDelco DuraStop Series brake drums are built with heavy-duty materials for structural integrity and maximum service life. Their chamfer angle, vane configuration, and plate thickness all follow the OE design. They are also ready for installation with no machining required.

brake drum from ACDelco
ACDelco guarantees superior durability for all of its parts and accessories.

Key Features:

  • Designed to dissipate heat
  • Minimizes vibration and prevents premature brake pad and rotor wear
  • Features coating that provides extra anti-rust protection
  • Optimally balanced to ensure quiet, smooth braking
  • Guarantees exact, vehicle-specific fit and functionality
  • 24-month or unlimited mile ACDelco limited warranty.

Motorcraft OE Replacement Series Brake Drums

Motorcraft makes some of the best brake drums on the market today. As Ford’s official parts supplier, Motorcraft’s products are top quality and offer a guaranteed fit.

With sleek finishing and heavy-duty composition, Motorcraft brake drums are built to meet stringent OE standards. They are designed to withstand extreme driving conditions and heavy loads, making them ideal for daily drivers and high-performing vehicles.

brake drum from Motorcraft
Motorcraft’s products are top quality and offer a guaranteed fit.

Key Features:

  • Designed to meet OE standards for fit and quality
  • Non-directional finish for easy drum and shoe brake-in
  • Mill balanced to reduce vibration and provide smooth braking
  • Built with proprietary friction formulations specific to each application
  • Made from top-quality materials
  • 2-year or unlimited-mile Motorcraft limited warranty

Beck Arnley Brake Drums

Our list of best brake drums would not be complete without Beck Arnley. An industry leader in automotive manufacturing, this brand offers guaranteed quality and fit.

Key Features:

  • Matches OE form, fit, and function
  • Made with high quality materials for maximum durability
  • Includes shims when required for the application
  • Precision cut edges for a proper fit
  • No machining required and easy to install
  • 1-year or 12,000-mile Beck Arnley limited warranty

What to Consider When Looking for Replacement Brake Drums

Choosing a brake drum replacement can be difficult due to the wide variety of options available. Simply knowing which brands to consider may not be enough. To help you choose the right one, here are some factors you need to keep in mind if you’re in the market for a new brake drum:

Application

Make sure the replacement brake drum is compatible with your vehicle. It must match your factory-installed one perfectly in both function and structure. Keep the specifications of your original part in mind when you browse your options.

Use our website’s vehicle selector to narrow down your options to suitable replacements. Simply enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model in the search bar.

replacing brake drums
Make sure the replacement brake drum is compatible with your vehicle.

Cost

A brake drum replacement costs between $4 and $400. The price varies depending on the brand and intended application . It is usually sold individually, but it can also be bought in sets or as part of a kit.

Brand

Since these brands are known to produce the best brake drums on the market, you can’t go wrong with any of them for your replacement needs.

To limit your choices, identify which of them manufactures brake drums that are designed specifically for your vehicle. Compare the remaining brands. If you’re not sure which manufacturer to rely on, ask your mechanics for their recommendations based on your options.

Brake Drums Recommended for:

About The Authors
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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