Drum brakes to Disc Brakes? '97 Lumina 3.1L

aliazhar · 08-11-2005, 11:53 AM

is it possible to change the drum brakes into disc brakes of my rear wheels?....if yes, then how and what do i need for that?...

can any1 help.

Thanks and Best Regards

travelair · 08-11-2005, 05:01 PM

Anything is possible but I must ask why? The rear brakes do very little stopping anyway. You might actually increase the pedal effort by switching to discs. That was the case on old Bugs when converting the front drums to discs. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't bother. Rear discs were created as selling points in the showroom. If your car has them -- great. But don't feel inferior if your car doesn't.

aliazhar · 08-12-2005, 09:08 AM

you are right, but, i still want to install disc brakes. i really like to have disc brakes.

have any1 in the forum did this mod to this model yet?..

decollect · 08-12-2005, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliazhar

you are right, but, i still want to install disc brakes. i really like to have disc brakes.

have any1 in the forum did this mod to this model yet?..

Assuming that the attachment points from the backing plate to the axle on your present system, vs what holds the disc brakes on is the same, it should not be a major problem. Just need to find one that is totalled in the boneyard and start cannibalizing. Don't forget to grab the master cylinder as well, as the disc brakes take more fluid to operate than your drum brakes.

Rubicon1 · 08-12-2005, 09:06 PM

Alldata lists only two master cylinders. With or without ABS only. So they should be the same for the discs.

Rubicon1 · 08-13-2005, 08:31 AM

Looking at the diagrams and comparing parts. It appears all you would need is the rear knuckle, disc, and caliper to make the conversion.

aliazhar · 08-13-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rubicon1

Looking at the diagrams and comparing parts. It appears all you would need is the rear knuckle, disc, and caliper to make the conversion.

i am definitly gona try it....do you have any pictures, so that i can have better idea of what i am doing?...

i hope all the required parts are availble at autozone or napa.

i really appriciate all your help.

Rubicon1 · 08-13-2005, 12:41 PM

Pics are from Alldata, you can look them up thru AutoZone though I think. You'll probably be better off getting the parts from a junk yard though. Will be way cheaper.

Rubicon1 · 08-13-2005, 12:43 PM

This is the knuckle you will need to replace. Hubs I think are the same also.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800ede36.jsp

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8010aaeb.jsp

Click on some of the other links for further reference.

NeonKnight · 08-13-2005, 01:09 PM

that hub bearing assemb,ly is for a 88 - 96 lumina, not a 97. so be careful of what you get. im not sure if it will work but try to at least keep the same year or higher.

richtazz · 08-13-2005, 02:13 PM

GM switched back to the rear drum brakes on these cars because the 4 whl discs where junk. The rear calipers were famous for locking up, and then all you have is fronts. I would STRONGLY advise against doing this swap, as you are changing from a trouble free design to one that will make you nuts if not maintained properly. Also, the ABS module is valved for a disc/drum setup, to eliminate premature rear lock up, it will require a new ABS module and pump assembly. IF you don't swap these parts out, your car could become unstable during hard stops due to improper brake bias between the front and rear brakes. AGAIN, I would not suggest doing this swap.

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