How to Convert Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes, by ChrisFix on YouTube. 37 min 38 s.
- Video length
- 37 min 38 s
- Time to do it
- 5 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground, loosen the lug nuts, then raise the car and set it on jack stands. Remove the wheels and chock the front wheels.
Choose your parts route: used disc brake parts from a higher trim level of the same car, or an aftermarket conversion kit with adapter brackets, calipers, rotors, pads and hoses.
Clamp the rubber brake hose or fit a stopper plug so fluid does not drain out. Disconnect the parking brake cable and the hard brake line at the wheel cylinder.
Pull off the drum, then remove the shoes, springs, retainer pins and wheel cylinder. Unbolt and remove the backing plate or the whole drum brake spindle.
Bolt the disc brake spindle or conversion adapter to the axle with the supplied hardware. Clean the mating surfaces and torque the bolts to the spec in your kit or service manual.
Fit the rotor over the hub and slide the caliper bracket into place. Mount the caliper with the pads installed and check that the rotor turns freely without rubbing.
Run the new brake hose and connect the hard line with a flare nut wrench. Use new copper washers on banjo fittings and keep the line clear of moving suspension parts.
Hook up the parking brake cable to the caliper lever and adjust it so the rear wheels drag slightly, then spin free. Refit the wheels and torque the lug nuts.
Bleed the brakes starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder until the pedal feels firm. Check every fitting for leaks, then test drive slowly and bed in the pads.
Tips and common mistakes
Never get under a car held only by a jack. Use rated jack stands on firm, level ground.
Use a flare nut wrench on brake lines so the hex does not round off.
Keep grease and brake fluid off the rotor faces or the pads will grab and squeal.
Check that your master cylinder and proportioning valve suit the new rear brakes, since a mismatched setup can make the rear lock up early.
Questions
Can I convert drum brakes to disc brakes myself?
Yes, if you can remove drum hardware, bleed brakes and torque bolts to spec. Buy a complete kit for your car or take the parts from a higher trim model so everything fits.
Do I need a new master cylinder?
Not always. Many kits work with the stock master cylinder, but the rear brake balance can change. Check the kit instructions or ask the maker before you buy.
How do I know the brakes are safe after the swap?
The pedal should feel firm, there should be no leaks at any fitting, and the wheels should spin without rubbing. Have a shop check the work if you are not sure.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
