Abstract

A composite brake drum particularly adapted for motor vehicle applications. The brake drum includes a reinforcement assembly embedded within the cylindrical portion of the drum. The reinforcement assembly is preferably made from steel wire stock and includes a plurality of circular rings or loops spaced axially within the brake drum cylindrical portion. Axially extending locator wires are mechanically fastened to the reinforcing loops and serve to locate the loops. End portions on the locator wires contact only one of the mold halves forming the mold cavity and enable the device to be essentially self-locating without crossing the parting line of the mold. The end portion of the locator wires contacting the radially outer side of the mold cavity is formed with a spring bar to enable the locator wires to move outward as the reinforcing loops are thermally expanded during the casting process. By not crossing the parting line, the position of the loops is maintained within acceptable tolerance limits from the finished friction surface of the drum. The composite brake drum is fabricated by pouring molten iron into the mold and then performing finish machining operations.