How to Change Brake Drums to Discs A Comprehensive Guide

Upgrading from brake drums to disc brakes is a popular modification among car enthusiasts and those looking to enhance their vehicle's performance. Disc brakes offer improved stopping power, heat dissipation, and overall reliability compared to traditional drum brakes. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to convert brake drums to disc brakes, ensuring that your vehicle operates safely and efficiently.

Understanding the Basics

Brake System Overview

Before diving into the conversion process, it’s essential to understand how both brake systems work. Drum brakes consist of a hollow drum that rotates with the wheel. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake shoes inside the drum expand against its inner surface, creating friction to slow down the vehicle. Disc brakes, on the other hand, utilize a flat disc that rotates with the wheel. When the brakes are engaged, calipers clamp brake pads against the disc, providing better heat dissipation and stopping performance.

Benefits of Upgrading

Transitioning to disc brakes can enhance your vehicle's performance in several ways

1. Improved Stopping Power Disc brakes typically provide better stopping ability, especially under heavy braking conditions. 2. Heat Dissipation Disc brakes cool more quickly than drum brakes due to their open design, reducing the risk of brake fade during extended use. 3. Maintenance Disc brakes are generally easier to inspect and replace than drum brakes, leading to lower long-term maintenance costs. 4. Performance and Handling Upgrading to disc brakes can enhance overall vehicle handling, particularly in high-performance applications.

Tools and Materials Needed

To convert from drum to disc brakes, you will need the following tools and materials

- Disc brake conversion kit This usually includes new rotors, calipers, pads, and mounting hardware. - Brake fluid Make sure to have enough to flush and refill the brake lines. - Basic hand tools Wrenches, sockets, pliers, and screwdrivers. - Jack and jack stands To lift the vehicle safely. - Brake cleaner For cleaning components during installation. - Torque wrench To ensure all components are secured to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

1. Prepare the Vehicle Start by parking your vehicle on a level surface, engaging the parking brake, and placing wheel chocks behind the rear tires for added safety.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the front (or rear, depending on which brakes you’re converting) of the vehicle. Secure it with jack stands.

3. Remove the Wheels Take off the lug nuts and then remove the wheels to gain access to the brake components.

4. Remove the Drum Brakes - Detach the brake drum by removing the retaining screws, if applicable. - Disconnect the brake hardware and remove the drums. - Remove the brake shoes and any other associated hardware.

5. Install the New Disc Brakes - Begin by mounting the new spindle or any necessary adapter that comes with your conversion kit. - Install the new rotors onto the hub. - Attach the calipers to the designated mounting points, ensuring they align properly with the rotors.

6. Install Brake Pads Insert the new brake pads into the calipers, ensuring they are properly positioned.

7. Connect Brake Lines If your conversion kit requires new brake lines, install them following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensure all fittings are tight to prevent leaks.

8. Bleed the Brakes Once everything is installed, it’s crucial to bleed the brake system to remove any air trapped in the lines. Start at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder and work your way forward.

9. Reattach the Wheels Put the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and then use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the recommended specifications.

10. Test the Brakes Before taking the vehicle on the road, pump the brake pedal to ensure proper pressure and check for leaks around the brake lines and calipers.

Conclusion

Changing from brake drums to disc brakes is a significant upgrade that can enhance your vehicle's safety and performance. While the process requires some mechanical skill and the right tools, the benefits of improved braking effectiveness and reliability are well worth the effort. Always consult your vehicle’s manual and, if necessary, seek professional assistance to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Happy driving!