can you convert rear drum brakes to disc

Converting Rear Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

Many automotive enthusiasts often consider upgrading their vehicle's braking system. One popular upgrade is converting rear drum brakes to disc brakes. This modification can enhance performance, improve safety, and provide a more responsive braking feel. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of such a conversion, the necessary components involved, and the overall process.

Benefits of Converting to Disc Brakes

1. Improved Stopping Power Disc brakes tend to provide greater stopping power than drum brakes due to their larger surface area and better heat dissipation. This is especially noticeable during repeated braking, where drum brakes can experience fade.

2. Better Heat Management Drum brakes trap heat, and during extensive use, they can become less effective. In contrast, disc brakes allow air to flow over the rotor, cooling it more effectively and maintaining consistent braking performance.

3. Ease of Maintenance Disc brakes are generally easier to service than drum brakes. Replacing worn-out components is simpler, as the calipers and pads are more accessible compared to the internal components of a drum brake system.

4. Enhanced Safety With improved stopping power and reduced fade, disc brakes contribute to overall safety, especially in high-performance or heavily loaded vehicles.

Components Required for Conversion

The conversion from rear drum brakes to disc brakes is not a simple bolt-on procedure; it requires specific components and modifications. The following parts are typically needed

- Disc brake rotors Depending on your vehicle model, you might need to purchase rotors designed for the upgrade. - Brake calipers These should be compatible with the new rotors and are essential for applying pressure to the brake pads. - Brake pads New pads should match the specifications of the calipers. - Adapter brackets In many cases, you'll need brackets to mount the calipers to the rear axle. - New brake lines The existing brake lines may need modification or replacement to accommodate the new calipers. - Parking brake components Ensure that the conversion includes a reliable mechanism for your parking brake.

While the exact steps may vary depending on the vehicle, the general process involves

1. Lifting the Vehicle Secure the car on jack stands for safe access to the rear brakes.

2. Removing the Old Drum Brakes Detach the existing drum brakes and any associated hardware.

3. Installing the New Parts Mount the adapter brackets to the axle, followed by the new disc rotors, calipers, and brake pads. Make sure to correctly connect the new brake lines.

4. Adjusting the Parking Brake Ensure the new setup accommodates the parking brake functionality.

5. Bleeding the Brake System After installation, it is crucial to bleed the brakes to remove any air from the system.

6. Testing Finally, lower the vehicle and test the braking system in a safe area to ensure everything operates smoothly.

Conclusion

Converting rear drum brakes to disc brakes can significantly enhance a vehicle's braking performance and reliability. While the process requires careful planning and execution, the benefits are well worth the effort. Whether for safety, performance, or maintenance reasons, this upgrade is a worthwhile consideration for any vehicle owner.