What is the role of the connecting spring in brake systems?

The connecting spring in brake systems plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of drum brake assemblies. Its primary purpose is to hold the brake shoes together while providing the necessary tension to ensure that they spring back to their original position after braking is released. This is vital for ensuring that the shoes are properly aligned against the drum and that they return effectively to prevent dragging against the drum when the brakes are not engaged.

By keeping the shoes together and maintaining the proper tension, the connecting spring helps to ensure consistent brake performance and prolongs the overall life of the brake components. It also plays a role in the proper operation of the self-adjusting mechanism in the brake system, where it can help facilitate correct shoe positioning during application and release of the brakes.