Brake Replacements

[highlander]

Is it possible to replace the rear drum brakes with calipers/pads?

If so, is it a worthwhile upgrade or too expensive?

Would it be even better to go for a conversion to Brembo brakes all round?

Is any of this possible/worthwhile on a 406 D9 saloon that has drum brakes from the factory?

[steve_earwig]

Is it possible to replace the rear drum brakes with calipers/pads?

Yes, you'll need everything from the cables back, probably a new m/cylinder too

If so, is it a worthwhile upgrade or too expensive?

Expensive, a bit pointless.

Would it be even better to go for a conversion to Brembo brakes all round?

Not sure where you'd get Brembo rears from, you'd need bigger wheels to clear the front.

Is any of this possible/worthwhile on a 406 D9 saloon that has drum brakes from the factory?

Possible yes, worthwhile..? Don't think so. You'd also inherit the most useless handbrake since a brick.

[swiss]

Many threads on the 306 owners forums. Entirely possible and actually completed more than once. General view is that it's expensive, difficult and entirely not worth it.

Unless, of course, you were in to tinkering with cars as a hobby, then you might consider it a worthwhile challenge. But not something to be undertaken lightly.

[wiggybum]

I have just spent 2 full days replacing my rusty old 150,000miles rear D8 subframe with a complete better one from a scrap yard. Replaced all buses, joints, shocks etc and it has transformed the ride and handling. It now has discs and not drums. The old drum brake setup has a bias valve (levering from the rear anti-roll bar) whereas the newer disc setup has no bias function. Cost me about £200 all in and well worth it if you like tinkering. I just want to get another few years out of the old girl. As an aside, the disc brake handbrake is rubbish compared to the old drum brake type but then again, the shoes will take time to bed in. The brake pedal is firmer now as there is little/no pad clearence to take up with rear calipers. I find drum rear brakes horrible things needing constant tweeking to get the best from them. Those days are over just like adjusting ignition points!!!

I'd say go for the rear disc setup. You'll need:

Disc brake vertical links from a scrappie.
Left & right new handbrake cables.

Everything else is the same. Be prepared to have new brake pipes made up though. Mine were rusted solid!

[teamster1975]

Good job Wiggy!! That must have been a real labour of love!

[mjb]

As an aside, the disc brake handbrake is rubbish compared to the old drum brake type but then again, the shoes will take time to bed in.

No, the handbrake will only get worse

[nigelw]

Hi there i am looking to do the front brake conversion on my standard V6 saloon with the calipers on the V6 coupe i too am looking for information on weather it can be done or its a lot of work like changing the hubs or are they direct fitment or do i need brackets....


thank you

nigel