How to Change Brake Drums to Discs A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading your vehicle's braking system from drum brakes to disc brakes can significantly enhance your driving experience. Disc brakes offer better heat dissipation, improved stopping power, and a more responsive feel compared to their drum counterparts. If you are considering this modification, here is a comprehensive guide to assist you through the process.

Understanding the Differences

Before diving into the conversion process, it's essential to understand the key differences between drum and disc brakes. Drum brakes consist of a hollow drum that rotates with the wheel, with brake shoes pressing against its inner surface to create friction. In contrast, disc brakes utilize a flat disc (rotor) and calipers that squeeze brake pads against the disc to slow the vehicle down. This design allows for more effective cooling during braking, making disc brakes less prone to fade under heavy use.

Tools and Materials Required

To successfully change brake drums to discs, you'll need the following tools and materials

- New disc brake conversion kit (including rotors, calipers, brake pads, and necessary hardware) - Brake fluid - Brake lines or hoses (if needed) - Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers) - Jack and jack stands - Brake cleaner - Torque wrench

Steps to Perform the Conversion

1. Gather Your Materials Purchase a disc brake conversion kit specific to your vehicle model. These kits generally include all necessary components needed for the swap.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and use a jack to lift the rear (or front) of the vehicle. Secure it on jack stands for safety.

3. Remove the Wheels Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels. This exposes the brake assembly.

4. Disconnect the Brake Lines Carefully detach the brake lines from the drum brake assembly. Be prepared to catch any brake fluid that may leak out. If your vehicle has been equipped with a proportioning valve, ensure that it is compatible with disc brakes.

5. Remove the Drum Brakes Unscrew the bolts holding the brake drum in place and slide the drum off. Inspect the drum’s interior for wear or damage, and keep any components that may be reused, such as the backing plate.

6. Install the New Hub Assembly If your conversion kit includes a new hub, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the new hub assembly. This step may require new bearings or seals, so refer to the kit guidelines.

7. Mount the Rotors Install the new rotors onto the hub. Ensure that they are seated correctly, and if needed, use lock washers or spacers according to the kit instructions.

8. Attach the Calipers Position the calipers over the rotors, aligning them with the mounting brackets. Secure them with the provided bolts to ensure they are tightly fastened.

9. Install Brake Pads Insert the new brake pads into the calipers. Make sure they are oriented correctly to achieve maximum contact with the rotor.

10. Connect Brake Lines Attach the brake lines to the new calipers, ensuring a snug and leak-free connection. If necessary, replace old brake hoses with new ones that fit the disc brake system.

11. Bleed the Brakes After everything is connected, it’s crucial to bleed the brake system to eliminate any air trapped in the lines. Start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder and work your way closer.

12. Check Brake Fluid Fill the master cylinder with fresh brake fluid. Ensure there are no leaks and that the fluid level is at the recommended mark.

13. Reinstall the Wheels Put the wheels back on, tightening the lug nuts firmly but not excessively. Lower the vehicle back to the ground.

14. Test the Brakes Before you take the vehicle on the road, press the brake pedal a few times to seat the brake pads against the rotors. Then, perform a short test drive at low speeds to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Converting your brake system from drums to discs is a rewarding DIY project that can improve your vehicle's performance and safety. While the process might seem daunting, proper planning, the right tools, and a step-by-step approach can make the conversion smooth and successful. However, if you feel unsure at any stage, it’s always wise to consult with or hire a professional mechanic to ensure everything is correctly installed. Safe driving!