Rear Drums to Disc conversion

[Gramsci]

Hi. I'd like to know if anyone out there knows about or has any
experience with converting rear drum brakes to discs. I have a 2002
Forester and have found that the disc/drum combination inadequate for
hard stopping, especially when under load (which I often am). Would
front and rear discs make much of a difference? How much should I
expect to pay? I bought it used at a very good price, so knowingly
sacrificed on a few things, including brakes. O/w, I love the car.
Thanks for any help.

 

[S]

Hi Gramsci!

Hi. I'd like to know if anyone out there knows about or has any
experience with converting rear drum brakes to discs. I have a 2002
Forester and have found that the disc/drum combination inadequate for
hard stopping, especially when under load (which I often am). Would
front and rear discs make much of a difference? How much should I
expect to pay? I bought it used at a very good price, so knowingly
sacrificed on a few things, including brakes. O/w, I love the car.
Thanks for any help.

I don't think there is a conversion per se; you will probably need to
swap in the rear hubs from a rear disk equipped Impreza (I think you
will find that Impreza components will mostly work on your Forester,
but as always, look before you leap.), maybe the axles too. And then
drum brake hydraulic requirements are different from disk brakes, and
you might need to massage the master cylinder and proportioning valve.
Then there's the ABS system . . .
As you can see, it's probably possible, but not trivial. A good DIY
project perhaps, if you can stand to be without your car for however
long it takes. I think you will probably _not_ want to pay someone to
sort this all out for you; just a WAG, but I'd imagine you'd be
looking at several thousand dollars. I's possible that some
entrepreneurial soul has put together a kit to do this, you might try
a post on i-club or nasioc.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101