Changing Rear Drums to discs

[westbay]

Hi,

Anybody know if it's possible to change the rear drum brakes on my '97 2.2dt Espace to disc s please.
Just completed a long trip to Southern Spain and back but felt the brakes were a little lacking, they are in good overall condition otherwise.

[Anders Dinsen]

Interesting question... In principle it ought to be possible. Rear hubs need to be changed.  The ABS system (block and computer) would probably also need replacing. You should also check whether the brake master cylinder needs to be moved over.

However, experimenting with this is probably not such a good idea. You risk getting something wrong and spending a lot of time (and money) on something that will not be fundamentally better. Discs are better, sure, but has higher service costs. And drums on the rear should be plenty good enough for your car, I'd say. How long ago is it since you replaced the brake fluid? Also, the brake hoses tend to swell up inside over time and exposure to the brake fluid, so if they are more than say 5 years old, you should replace them.

I used to have a 97 2.0 Espace, which we took a few times to Provence (from Denmark, 2000 km either way). I never found brakes lacking, not even through the motorway hills south of Kassel.

/Anders

[westbay]

Hi Anders,

...as always sound advice !   The front disc's look perfect facing outwards ....but...there's always a 'but'......
the inside face is quite worn and uneven, so I'll replace the disc, pads and fluid, will also strip the drums etc first.

Thanks again.