how to swap drum brakes for disc brakes

How to Swap Drum Brakes for Disc Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading your vehicle from drum brakes to disc brakes can provide significant improvements in performance, safety, and driving experience. Disc brakes offer better heat dissipation, reduced brake fade, and improved stopping power, especially in high-performance or heavy-duty applications. If you're considering this modification, here's a step-by-step guide on how to make the switch.

Understanding the Components

Before starting, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basic components involved in both drum and disc brake systems

- Drum Brakes Comprised of a brake drum, brake shoes, wheel cylinder, and various springs and hardware. - Disc Brakes Consist of a brake rotor, caliper, brake pads, and hydraulic components.

Tools and Materials Needed

To perform this brake swap, you'll need

- Basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) - Jack and jack stands - Brake cleaner - New disc brake conversion kit (including rotors, calipers, brackets, and pads) - Brake fluid - Torque wrench - Safety gloves and goggles

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety gear. 2. Gather Materials Ensure you have all necessary parts and tools readily available.

Step 2 Remove the Drum Brakes

1. Lift the Rear Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. 2. Remove Wheels Take off the rear wheels to access the drum brakes. 3. Detach Brake Drums Remove the retaining screws, if applicable, and slide off the brake drums. You may need to tap them gently to loosen them. 4. Disconnect Brake Components Carefully remove the brake shoes, springs, and wheel cylinder. Make sure to document or take pictures of the assembly in case you need to reference them later.

Step 3 Install the Disc Brake Kit

1. Mounting Brackets Follow the instructions specific to your disc brake conversion kit. Typically, this involves installing new mounting brackets where the drum backing plate was located. 2. Install Rotors Slide the new rotors onto the hubs. If required, fasten them with any included hardware. 3. Attach Calipers Position the calipers over the rotors. Secure them with the bolts provided in the kit, ensuring proper alignment with the pads. 4. Install Brake Pads Insert the new brake pads into the calipers, making sure they fit snugly.

Step 4 Connecting Brake Lines

1. Brake Lines Depending on your vehicle and conversion kit, you may need to modify or replace brake lines. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks. 2. Bleed the Brakes To remove any air from the system, bleed the brake lines by following the manufacturer’s bleeding procedure. This usually involves using a helper to pump the brakes while you open and close the bleeder valves.

Step 5 Finishing Touches

1. Reinstall Wheels Place the wheels back onto the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts. 2. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the car back to the ground. 3. Torque the Lug Nuts Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 6 Testing the Brakes

Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to test the new disc brakes

1. Initial Brake Test Start the vehicle and press the brake pedal gently to ensure everything functions properly. 2. Bed In New Pads To maximize performance, bed in the new brake pads according to manufacturer instructions, which typically involves a series of controlled stops.

Conclusion

Swapping out drum brakes for disc brakes can enhance your vehicle’s braking performance and reliability. While the process may require some mechanical aptitude and attention to detail, the results are worth the effort. By following this guide, you’ll not only increase your braking efficiency but also enjoy a safer driving experience. Always consult your vehicle’s manual and consider seeking professional help if you’re unsure about any steps in the process. Happy upgrading!