Aug 5, 2015, 12:58 PM
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Brake Drum to Disc Conversion
Champion
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,839
Likes: 5
From: Apex, NC
Keep in mind that you will also need to replace your master cylinder and get rid of your factory combination valve. Both of them are designed for drum brakes, which require completely different hydraulic system properties.
As far as the combination valve goes, it has whats called a residual pressure valve that holds something like 6-8 psi on the rear drums to stop the springs from pulling the brakes too far back when you let of the pedal. If you were to keep that valve in the system with disc brakes, you'll be changing pads faster than your oil! But, that combination valve also has the proportioning valve in it, so you'll need to replace the proportioning valve. The best thing to do is get an adjustable proportioning valve to set the system up right.
The master cylinder is not as important as losing that combination valve, but on some cars and trucks, the residual pressure valve is in the master cylinder, so why chance it! Also, the resevoir is smaller for drum brakes that for disc brakes, and as the pads wear on disc brakes, the system needs more and more fluid to compensate. Honestly, it would probably never cause you a problem, but if you're going to spend the time and money, you may as well do it right!!
As far as the combination valve goes, it has whats called a residual pressure valve that holds something like 6-8 psi on the rear drums to stop the springs from pulling the brakes too far back when you let of the pedal. If you were to keep that valve in the system with disc brakes, you'll be changing pads faster than your oil! But, that combination valve also has the proportioning valve in it, so you'll need to replace the proportioning valve. The best thing to do is get an adjustable proportioning valve to set the system up right.
The master cylinder is not as important as losing that combination valve, but on some cars and trucks, the residual pressure valve is in the master cylinder, so why chance it! Also, the resevoir is smaller for drum brakes that for disc brakes, and as the pads wear on disc brakes, the system needs more and more fluid to compensate. Honestly, it would probably never cause you a problem, but if you're going to spend the time and money, you may as well do it right!!
Last edited by 95_318SLT; Apr 25, 2010 at 11:28 PM.
Banned
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,667
Likes: 1
From: Burnsville, mn - Pensacola, fl
Amen..
Champion
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,811
Likes: 2
From: Ft Campbell, KY/TN
you will also need the booster and master cylinder for the engine compartment as well. Not as simple as you think.
I would never do this swap, because you do not want your brakes to fail.
I would never do this swap, because you do not want your brakes to fail.
What exactly negotiates the reason you need rear disc brakes?
Not to mention, disc brakes are MUCH easier to work on....