how to change rear drum brakes to disc brakes

Upgrading from Rear Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading your vehicle's rear drum brakes to disc brakes can significantly enhance your car's braking performance, responsiveness, and safety. While drum brakes have been common in older vehicles due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, disc brakes offer advantages such as improved heat dissipation, less brake fade, and better overall performance. This article outlines the steps involved in this upgrade and highlights important considerations.

Understanding the Differences

Before diving into the conversion process, it's essential to understand the fundamental differences between drum and disc brakes. Drum brakes utilize a set of shoes that push outward to press against the inner surface of a rotating drum. In contrast, disc brakes utilize a caliper that squeezes a set of brake pads against a flat surface (the rotor) to create friction and slow the vehicle. This design allows disc brakes to cool more effectively, which is crucial for maintaining performance, especially under heavy braking conditions.

Tools and Materials Required

1. Tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Socket set - Torque wrench - Brake bleeder kit - Brake line wrench - Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)

2. Materials - Rear disc brake conversion kit (specific to your vehicle model) - Brake rotors - Brake calipers - Brake pads - Brake lines (if necessary) - Brake fluid

1. Preparation - Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels slightly. - Lift the rear of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheels.

2. Removal of Drum Brakes - Remove the brake drum by loosening the retainers, if applicable, and sliding the drum off the hub. - Next, detach the brake shoes, springs, and associated hardware. Take care to remember the arrangement of these components, as you won't be reusing them.

3. Installing the Disc Brake Kit - Follow the instructions provided with your aftermarket disc brake conversion kit. Typically, this includes installing new mounting brackets on the axle, attaching the brake rotors, and securing the brake calipers. - Ensure that all components are correctly aligned and tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Installing Brake Lines - If your conversion kit requires new brake lines, install these according to the kit’s instructions. Ensure that they are securely attached and free from leaks.

5. Brake Pads and Rotor Setup - Install the new brake pads into the calipers and mount them over the rotors. Make sure the pads are correctly positioned for optimal contact.

6. Bleeding the Brakes - Once everything is assembled, it’s crucial to bleed the brake system to remove any air. Start from the caliper furthest from the master cylinder and work your way to the nearest. - Use a brake bleeder kit to facilitate this process.

7. Final Checks - Reinstall the wheels, ensuring the lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. - Lower the vehicle and perform a final check on all components. Ensure that the brake pedal feels firm and responsive.

Conclusion

Upgrading to rear disc brakes can provide significant improvements in your vehicle's performance and safety. While the process requires a good understanding of the braking system and some mechanical skills, the enhancement in braking performance is well worth the effort. Always refer to specific instructions for your vehicle model, consider professional assistance if uncertain, and enjoy the benefits of your newly upgraded braking system!