What may cause drum brake drag?

• A. Frozen star wheel
• B. Worn brake shoes
• C. Incorrect brake fluid
• D. Old rotors

Answer: (A)

Drum brake drag can occur when the star wheel mechanism is frozen or stuck, preventing the brake shoes from retracting properly after the brakes are applied. The star wheel is part of the self-adjusting system within the drum brake assembly, which adjusts the position of the brake shoes as they wear down. If this mechanism does not function correctly, the shoes can remain in contact with the drum even when the brake pedal is released, leading to drag. This condition can cause increased wear on the brake components, overheating, and reduced braking efficiency.

The other options, while they can contribute to various braking issues, do not specifically lead to drum brake drag in the same way that a frozen star wheel does. For instance, worn brake shoes may reduce braking effectiveness but do not inherently cause the shoes to stick. Incorrect brake fluid might lead to other brake performance problems but is not directly related to the mechanics of drum brake drag. Old rotors pertain more to disc brakes and would not affect drum brakes in this context.