Rear drum to disc conversion. Can this be done?

[snakepitt1]

I have a 2003 PT, touring edition with crappy rear drum brakes. Is it possible to convert the rear drums to discs? If so, what costs would I be potentially be looking at? Has any one done this conversion? Is this something the dealership would have to do?
[:I]

[quicksilverdon]

Sure, it can be done, but why? The fronts do up to 80% of the braking, so going to rear disks won't be a huge difference. I think you'd be better getting new front rotors and ceramic pads. There are also brake upgrades out there for new calipers - all cheaper than putting rear disks in. Also, the rear disks came with ABS - don't think you'd need to add that, but not sure about proportioning valve (regulates front-to-rear brake pressure).

[nozzano22]

Here is a link to a site that sells the conversion, but ready carefully. Also browse their site, they have lots of cool stuff.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/wyckoff-...rdisconki.html

Mike

[snakepitt1]

Thanks for the link. Those guys must be nuts. No instructions, no returns and the kit should contain most of whats needed?
I am looking to replace the front rotors with a set of cross drilled / slotted rotors.
What is this about a brake caliper upgrade? Looking at the brakes now, it loos like a single piston caliper.
Anyone ever paint the drums with any success?

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by snakepitt1

Thanks for the link. Those guys must be nuts. No instructions, no returns and the kit should contain most of whats needed?
I am looking to replace the front rotors with a set of cross drilled / slotted rotors.
What is this about a brake caliper upgrade? Looking at the brakes now, it loos like a single piston caliper.
Anyone ever paint the drums with any success?

Here's one:
http://www.pt-tuning.com/performance...BrakeKits.html
Wildwood also makes a kit, I believe.
Yes, drums have been painted - some use high temp enamel - calipers get painted, too.

[Sci-Fi]

Read this:
http://ptenthusiasts.org/PTForums/sh...ake+conversion

Can't find the post but somebody actually purchased the Wyckoff conversion and ended up going to a brake specialist because all the parts weren't there to complete the conversion. He winded up with custom made rear disc brakes and upgraded front discs and calipers. Have no idea if they upgraded/changed other brake components (master cylinder, proportional valve, etc). I do remember him saying that it was cheaper to go to a brake specialist and have them do it and he had 18" or 19" rims, so the replacement calipers had enough clearance. His PT used to be pictured here, where he had the conversion done: http://www.thebrakeman.com/home , but I don't see it anymore. His rotors looked something like this:


I should add that there is nothing wrong with rear drum brakes. Might want to install some metallic linings back there if you are afraid of losing your rear brakes in heavy rain/wet conditions. Or buy a pair of those fake rear discs to hide your drums.

[2sb]

Least expensive way would be a visit to a salvage yard and buy a complete rear axle and proportioning valve. If it's ABS, you'll also need whatever computer handles that and hope you hurt nothing when you switch them. You'll also need all wiring for wheel sensors front and rear.[:I]