Backwards Technology (brakes)

[Okie Boy]

Originally Posted by 4-2NV

But here's a different question. ABS is usually only set up to work with disc brakes, so most front disc-only cars have ABS active only in the front. I am assuming this is same with smart. Does someone know otherwise? Also, does that mean ESC is operating using front only or is this all around? I've never seen a car with drum rear brakes and ESC combo.

Traction Control and ESP would require the automatic application of rear brakes and there are rear wheel speed sensors, so I would guess all four brakes are modulated.

[RussBarnes]

FYI, ABS only needs a notched ring to count the speed the wheel is rotating. So nothing to do with discs. My Kenworth is equipped with drums all around and has ABS. There is a stamped steel disc with notches on each hub that has a magnetic pick-up next to it. Low tech, low cost and works all the time.

[canon1753]

I thought the rear suspension being a De Dion axle (rather than a fully independent suspension) was kind of a backwards technological idea. But it works.

[oldbike]

Originally Posted by canon1753

I thought the rear suspension being a De Dion axle (rather than a fully independent suspension) was kind of a backwards technological idea. But it works.

This rear suspension design is simple, tough and, probably most important in this car, compact in size.

[canon1753]

Its interesting looking at the development of the fortwo and city coupe that they have always kept drums and the De Dion axle. They work. They fit well and don't take up much room due to the size constraints on the fortwo. That it isn't technically Independent rear suspension won't matter much because we are not going to run a fortwo in a formula car race...

Smart has no compunction about fixing something that was not as good. For instance, they changed the front suspension from leaf springs to McPherson struts, because the cost disadvantage was offset by the better handling and more compact size (I think, I may be off my rocker here).

[smartSparky]

I thought all European cars came with butt massagers. Any clue as to why smart decided not to include these? How backwards of them.

And while we're at it, my Passion Cabrio was delivered with black tires! For such an alleged "forward thinking" company, you'd think they could have at least offered Paris Hilton Pink or Bono Red as an option on the pure and standard on the passion, (of course I would still whine about the price even if it came "standard" with everything on my wish list).

God, I love being an American!

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by msjohnson1974

Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture and incorporate into the parking brake system. Besides, most of the braking is done with the front wheels and this isn't exactly a performance car where heat in the brakes should be a problem for the normal drivers. I'm sure someone will sell you an aftermarket upgrade to disc brakes if you really want them.

The Toyota Prius has rear drum brakes.

a new set of EBC Green brake pads for the front to keep all that darned brake dust off the wheels.

[stuberman]

When I bought my '96 Taurus with rear disc brakes I thought I had moved up in the world. It turned out that rear discs were not just unnecessary but prone to more problems according to various shops I have visited to get them repaired too often. I have had problems with the parking brake and stuck calipers. I am glad I now have a car without rear discs.

[stuberman]

Originally Posted by jonnysan

a new set of EBC Green brake pads for the front to keep all that darned brake dust off the wheels.

Jonny - I have been told that these high performance pads will be less effective in cold weather (we get a lot of that here). I like the idea of less dust but have heard that they don't grab well until they warm up in freezing weather.

[GHammerly]

Originally Posted by stuberman

Jonny - I have been told that these high performance pads will be less effective in cold weather (we get a lot of that here). I like the idea of less dust but have heard that they don't grab well until they warm up in freezing weather.

The EBC Green pads work well in cold weather, no warmup required to make them bite.
The smart has four channel antilock brakes despite rear drum brakes just like the Honda Fit and many other rear drum equiped cars.
In most cases if a car is offered with rear disk brakes as part of one package and with drums as part of a lower priced package the drums are lighter weight + cheaper for the manufacturer.
I'm sure smart chose drums mostly to save $$ and also for weight savings.