how to convert drums to disc brakes

How to Convert Drums to Disc Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to enhancing your vehicle's braking system, converting from drum brakes to disc brakes can provide significant improvements in performance, safety, and maintenance. Drum brakes, while generally effective for many vehicles, can often suffer from fade under heavy use and are more challenging to maintain than their disc counterparts. In this guide, we will explore the steps involved in converting drum brakes to disc brakes, the benefits of making this switch, and some important considerations to keep in mind.

Understanding the Differences

Before diving into the conversion process, it's essential to understand the differences between drum brakes and disc brakes. Drum brakes consist of a cylindrical drum that houses the brake shoes. When the brake pedal is depressed, the shoes expand against the inside of the drum, creating friction. Conversely, disc brakes utilize a rotor that spins with the wheel and brake calipers that clamp down on the rotor to produce stopping power. Disc brakes generally offer better heat dissipation, improved stopping power, and greater resistance to fade.

Benefits of Converting to Disc Brakes

1. Improved Stopping Power Disc brakes provide better weight distribution and grip, allowing for quicker stops and increased safety. 2. Reduced Brake Fade Disc brakes are less prone to overheating, making them ideal for situations like mountainous driving or heavy loads. 3. Easier Maintenance Disc brake components are more accessible, making routine checks and replacements simpler and less time-consuming.

4. Enhanced Aesthetics Many enthusiasts appreciate the appearance of disc brakes behind their wheels, adding a performance aspect to vehicle visuals.

Steps for Conversion

Converting from drum brakes to disc brakes requires careful planning and execution. Below is a step-by-step guide

1. Gather Necessary Parts The first step in the conversion is to gather all necessary components. This may include - Disc brake conversion kit (which often includes rotors, calipers, brackets, and hoses) - New wheel bearings - Brake lines and fittings - New brake pads

2. Prepare Your Vehicle Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheels to access the drum brakes.

3. Remove Old Drum Brakes Detach the drum brake assembly, including the drum, shoes, springs, and any other related components. Pay careful attention to how everything is assembled; taking photos can be beneficial for reference when installing new parts.

4. Install the New Spindle Depending on your vehicle and conversion kit, it may be necessary to replace the existing spindle with one designed to accommodate disc brakes.

5. Mount the Rotor Slide the new rotor onto the spindle. Ensure it is securely in place and spins freely without obstruction.

6. Install Calipers Attach the calipers to the bracket as per the instructions provided in your conversion kit. Ensure they align correctly with the rotor and can move freely.

7. Connect Brake Lines Install the new brake lines and ensure they are properly secured to prevent leaks.

8. Install Brake Pads Insert the brake pads into the calipers. Ensure they are positioned correctly to clamp down on the rotor effectively.

9. Bleed the Brakes Before using the vehicle, bleed the brake lines to remove any air pockets that could affect braking performance. This involves having someone pump the brake pedal while you open and close the bleeder screws on the calipers.

10. Test and Adjust Once everything is in place, reinstall the wheels, lower the vehicle, and conduct a test drive. Be mindful of any unusual sounds or behavior from the braking system and make adjustments as necessary.

Important Considerations

- Legal Compliance Ensure that the conversion complies with local laws and regulations, as some areas have specific requirements for braking systems.

- Budget Converting to disc brakes can be a significant investment. It's essential to budget for both parts and any professional help you might need during the installation.

- Professional Help If you're not mechanically inclined, consider hiring a professional to perform the conversion. Proper installation is crucial for safety.

In conclusion, converting from drum brakes to disc brakes can transform your vehicle's stopping power and overall performance. By following this guide and understanding the benefits and considerations involved, you can make an informed decision about upgrading your braking system. Whether you're a casual driver or an automotive enthusiast, this conversion can enhance your driving experience significantly.