can you change the brakes?

Question

is it possible to change the brakes on a 97 fiesta on the back from drum to disc? and, is it worth it and would it cost alot of money?

Answer 1

Oh, I had one of these babies, LOVED It. But you don't WANT to change from drum to disc - those fiestas burn the disc rotors out as a hobby, the drums are MUCH more effecient, and that way your parking break won't be messed up.

So, I don't think you can do it.

Answer 2

It's possible, but it'll cost more than it's worth. You'll need the hubs for disc breaks, the rotors, calipers, brake pads, probably longer brake lines (drum lines are typically shorter than disc lines), and applicable mounting bolts and brackets if necessary. You also need to research the braking ratios, on my car it's 80/20 if I remember correctly, the discs doing 80% and the drums doing 20%, but my car also came with optional discs on another trim package designed for the same braking ratio, so a conversion kit for my car is pretty plug & play. The ratio might need to be different and you may or may not need to or even be able to adjust it. If your car has ABS, then this gets even more costly as you have to get an ABS computer designed for four wheel discs. There's not going to be too much in the way of engineering involved if your model of car ever came with rear disc as an option, typically they make most parts cross-compatible. If no Fiesta ever came with discs, then you're looking at possible engineering so you don't, as one guy mentioned, eat up the rotors.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, if I think of anything else I'll add to this message.

Answer 3

Simply - yes you can, but it isnt worth the money.
I had a '96 fiesta, and left them as per manufacturers design. To me, for a small car, with (no offence) small power.... it doesnt seem worth while making that change.

You'd be better off uping the brakes at the front, and getting yourself some better tyres. It would be cheaper, quicker... and you'll notice it more - as you grip the road better.

You could also think about suspension, which would also help the above.

Answer 4

That could be done. It is not worth it though. The Fiesta is sooooo light in weight, it doesn't require rear disc brakes. To me it would be a waste of money.

Answer 5

Are you an automobile engineer, to know the physics of that auto?

Do you have the weight transfer data?

What would be the proper proportional hydralic pressure, between front and back brakes?

Do you know what a proportional valve is? How to install one?

You don't even want to go there! Now, if it were a 3/4 ton truck, it might be possible... but, I still wouldn't!

Answer 6

It would be madness, if you really want better brakes buy some bigger dics and pads for the front.....Go buy an XR2 I think they have disc brakes all round....also check out the Peugeot 205 1.9 Gti it also has dics all around and you'll probably pick one up for the price of new brakepads...one of the best cars ever built a solid hoot to drive...

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/88253.htm

Answer 7

not worth the money doing it, good condition shoes/drums/cylinders and the adjusters working correctly is more than enough for a fiesta. trust me ive run a lot of them

Answer 8

If the back brakes are too good, the back will lock and try to overtake the front all the time.

Answer 9

it would cost alot of money and i think its not even worth the time because it s a pain in the but to do

Answer 10

It can b done but will cost 1000 dollars. trade in the car if 4 wheel disk are important to you.