Steps to Replace Brake Drums with Rotors for Improved Vehicle Performance and Safety

How to Change Brake Drums to Rotors A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading your vehicle's braking system from drums to rotors is a significant improvement that can enhance performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Disc brakes (rotors) are generally known for better heat dissipation and stopping power compared to drum brakes. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to make this conversion successfully.

Understanding the Components

Before diving into the conversion process, it’s essential to understand the components involved. Drum brakes consist of drums, shoes, and springs, while disc brakes consist of rotors, calipers, and pads. When transitioning from drums to rotors, you will also need to consider the compatibility of your vehicle's suspension and braking system. Make sure your car can accommodate disc brakes and that you have all necessary parts.

Tools You Will Need

- Jack and jack stands - Tire iron - Socket set - Brake cleaner - New rotors and pads - Brake fluid - Brake line wrench - Torque wrench - C-clamp or brake caliper tool - Safety glasses and gloves

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation Start by ensuring the vehicle is on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and disconnect the battery. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent accidental brake engagement during the conversion.

2. Remove the Wheels Use the tire iron to loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle with a jack. Once elevated, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels, exposing the brake assembly.

3. Remove Brake Drums To remove the drum brakes, you'll need to unbolt the drum from the wheel hub. This might require some effort if the drums are rusted or corroded. Use a brake cleaner to loosen any debris, then pull the drums off of the wheel hub.

4. Disconnect Brake Lines Carefully detach the brake lines from the wheel cylinder. Be prepared for some brake fluid to spill; use a rag to catch any spills. A brake line wrench will help you loosen the connections without damaging the lines.

5. Install the New Rotors Place the new rotors onto the hub, ensuring they are properly seated. Most rotors come with a protective coating that should be cleaned before installation using brake cleaner.

6. Attach the Calipers Install new calipers as a part of your disc brake kit. Ensure they are securely fastened to the mounting bracket. If your kit includes new brake pads, install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Reconnect Brake Lines Firmly reattach the brake lines to the new calipers, ensuring there are no leaks. It’s important to use a torque wrench to tighten these connections to the specified torque levels recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Bleed the Brakes Begin bleeding the brakes to remove any air from the system. This is typically done by having someone press the brake pedal while you loosen the bleeder screw on the caliper. Repeat this process until you see a steady stream of fluid without bubbles.

9. Reassemble Once you have successfully bled the brakes, it’s time to reattach the wheels. Make sure to hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle. After it’s back on the ground, use a torque wrench to ensure the lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

10. Test Drive After reassembling everything, slowly test drive your vehicle in a safe area. Pay attention to the braking performance and make sure everything feels secure.

Conclusion

Converting from brake drums to rotors can significantly improve your vehicle’s braking efficiency and safety. While this task can be challenging, following these steps can help you successfully complete the conversion. Always reference your vehicle’s service manual for details specific to your car, and if uncertain, consult a professional mechanic. By upgrading your brake system, you're investing in better performance and peace of mind on the road.