Drum to disc brakes: The cost of conversion

___________________

Rating disc against drum brakes has been an argument among some motorists and mechanics for a while now, with both groups finding themselves on the fence; influenced by their experiences.

Brake pads and their rate of wear for disc brakes against the drum’s structure - which makes maintenance quite a task - are just part of the debate.

Samson Sematta, a mechanic argues that disc brakes are a much better option compared to drum brakes because the former use calipers. That said, most modern vehicles use both discs (front) and drums (rear). Disc brakes started becoming common in the 1980s, long after drum brakes had been all the rage.

Drum brake

What is the cost of a fully operational disc?

Joel Katongole, a mechanic says drum brakes are slowly fading out because they are not as effective as disc brakes. Their reason is that disc brakes are used both on the front and rear.

According to him, if a disc brake is 100% effective, a drum can only give 80% at most. The vehicle stability system partly determines the use of the two discs for a car. Those with this feature will have disc brakes on both the front and rear. So, there is no need to convert the brakes.

Meanwhile, those without the feature have disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear.

According to him, a small car in the category of a Toyota Raum will have its budget to switch depending on what is already available on the car. Changes to wheel hubs, calipers, and brake pads may be necessary.

Katongole says if someone plans to switch from drum to disc brakes, they will need to prepare a budget.

New disc brake pads. Photo by Ahmad Muto

“You buy discs and hubs where the discs sit and on which the brake pads sit. A disc on a Raum costs about sh200,000 for a pair (assuming the car already has discs in front). A wheel hub can cost sh200,000 per pair. Brake pads cost about sh100,000 for a set of four. Additionally, the cost of calipers and handbrake cables is approximately sh200,000 per pair. That means that the switch can cost one a minimum of sh700,000,” he says.

Ronnie Kyazze, an automotive technician, argues that drum brakes last longer than disc brakes because the former have an edge over discs through working like handbrakes for some cars. “Brake discs do not do that well. Drums are better because they work well with brake linings that are behind them,” he explains.

“That said, drum brakes are durable and good for the rear unless a car was designed to have both, but disc brakes work best on the front,” he adds.