how to change rear drum brakes to disc brakes

How to Change Rear Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes

Upgrading your vehicle’s rear brakes from drum brakes to disc brakes can enhance stopping power, improve performance, and provide better heat dissipation. While this upgrade can be complex, with the proper tools and guidance, you can complete the transformation in your garage. Below, we outline the steps you’ll need to follow to change rear drum brakes to disc brakes.

Why Upgrade?

Before diving into the how-to, it's essential to understand the benefits of switching to disc brakes. Disc brakes typically offer superior performance over drum brakes because they

1. Better Heat Management Disc brakes dissipate heat more effectively than drum brakes, preventing fade during prolonged braking. 2. Improved Stopping Power They provide consistent stopping power, especially under heavy load or during harsh driving conditions. 3. Easier Maintenance Disc brakes are usually easier to inspect and replace than drum brakes, saving you time and effort.

What You Will Need

To perform this upgrade, gather the following tools and components

- New rear disc brake calipers and rotors - Brake pads (suitable for your new disc brakes) - Brake lines (if necessary) - Brake fluid - A jack and jack stands - Tire iron or lug wrench - Socket set and wrenches - Brake cleaner - Torque wrench - C-clamp or brake tool - Safety goggles and gloves

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Preparation Start by ensuring your vehicle is parked on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and wear safety goggles and gloves. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear tires but do not remove them yet.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.

3. Remove the Drum Brakes - Take off the brake drum by removing any retaining screws. You may need to tap the drum with a hammer to loosen it if it’s stuck due to corrosion. - Once removed, carefully disassemble the drum brake components. Take note of how everything is put together, or take pictures for reference during reassembly.

4. Install the New Disc Brake Components - With the drum brake components removed, install the new brake backing plate if your vehicle requires one for disc brakes. - Install the new rotors onto the hub. Ensure that they are seated correctly; you may need to use a few lug nuts to hold the rotors in place temporarily.

5. Attach the Calipers - Mount the new brake calipers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the caliper is correctly positioned over the rotor. - Secure the caliper using the bolts provided, and use a torque wrench to tighten them according to specifications.

6. Insert the Brake Pads Place the brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they align correctly with the rotors. Use a C-clamp or brake tool to compress the caliper pistons if necessary to make space for the new pads.

7. Connect Brake Lines If you’ve replaced or upgraded your brake lines, connect them to the caliper. Make sure all connections are tight and secure to prevent leaks.

8. Bleed the Brake System With the new components installed, it’s essential to bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles. Start at the farthest wheel from the master cylinder and work your way closer. Follow the proper procedure for bleeding brakes, usually involving a helper to pump the brake pedal.

9. Reinstall Tires After confirming that everything is securely installed and leak-free, reinstall the rear wheels. Tighten the lug nuts hand-tight and lower the vehicle from the jack stands.

10. Final Checks Once the vehicle is back on the ground, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and add fluid if necessary.

11. Test Drive Before taking your vehicle on the road, perform a cautious test drive to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Pay attention to brake feel and listen for any unusual noises.

Conclusion

Converting rear drum brakes to disc brakes can provide substantial benefits in terms of performance and safety. By following these steps and taking your time, you can successfully upgrade your vehicle's braking system. Always consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific information, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure about any step in the process. Safety should always be your top priority when working on braking systems. Happy upgrading!