Abstract: One embodiment of a brake drum includes a cylindrical main body portion, a brake drum mounting flange portion, a brake drum transition portion, the brake drum transition portion extending between the cylindrical main body portion and the mounting flange portion, the transition portion having a plurality of vent openings, and one air scoop secured at each of the vent openings, whereby rotation of the brake drum and air scoop induces air movement within a brake drum cavity defined by the main body portion. Each air scoop defines a louver opening which faces the angular direction of drum rotation, an air channel in fluid communication with the louver opening and the brake drum cavity, and a deflection surface located in the air channel.

Abstract: A novel brake drum includes one or more mid-positioned squealer bands that are roughly in line with the ribs of the brake shoes. This places the most rigid part of the brake drum and the location of greatest heat sink over the most rigid portion of the brake shoes, which is also the position of greatest heat input. The axial cooling fins radiating from the squealer band aid in dissipating the heat from friction generated during the braking cycle.

Abstract: A vehicle composite brake drum (10) is provided and includes a brake drum shell (12), and a brake drum liner (22), the brake drum liner (22) is formed of compacted graphite iron. A method of manufacturing the vehicle composite brake drum includes forming a brake drum shell and then forming a brake drum liner of compacted graphite iron.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drum or rotor wheel hub having a cast hub having a machined pilot in a flange portion and a machined pilot in a cylindrical portion, and a cast portion which separates the cylindrical pilot from the flange pilot, whereby a machined radii is not incorporated in the pilot construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drum or rotor wheel hub having a cast hub having a machined pilot in a flange portion and a machined pilot in a cylindrical portion, and a cast portion which separates the cylindrical pilot from the flange pilot, whereby a machined radii is not incorporated in the pilot construction.

Abstract: A compacted graphite iron brake component for use in a braking system having a final composition of: 3.0 to about 4.0 percent carbon; 2.15 to about 2.60 percent silicon; 0.40 to about 0.90 manganese; and the balance iron. The brake component having a frictionally engageable portion with a microstructure of compacted graphite disposed in a pearlitic matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel or hub for use on vehicles which incorporate an anti-lock braking system. The hub includes a ferrous hub having an outboard and inboard section. A plurality of equidistantly spaced radially extending grooves are formed in the end face of the inboard section of the hub forming a plurality of radially extending pulse teeth, a sensor detects the rotation of the pulse teeth and provides this information to a logic unit of the ABS system.