Running gear
Drum brakes
The drum brakes on the Polo are Simplex brakes in principle. Simplex brakes are the simplest and most frequently
used type of drum brake. You will find them on vehicles ranging from bicycles to heavy lorries.
There is one self-energising brake shoe and one self-locking brake shoe. This means that the braking efficiency is
the same when you are driving forwards and when you are reversing. The brake shoes are actuated by a central
brake cylinder and are mounted in a support bearing at the other end. The brake shoes are actuated by a brake
cylinder. The brake cylinder is hydraulically operated and produces equal forces in both directions. The clearance
(distance between brake drum and brake pad) was previously always adjusted by a spring-loaded wedge. A
temperature-dependent adjuster mechanism for the clearance is now fitted in the Polo.
Dust caps
Brake cylinder
Return spring
Brake shoe
Brake shoe
Retaining pin
Automatic
adjuster
Spring plate
Brake lever
Brake lining
Lower support bearing
Return spring
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