Rear Disc Brakes
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From: Ladysmith B.C. Canada

Is it possible, practical, economical to install disc brakes on the rear of a 1994 Bonneville SE?
Are kits available?
I'm just haven't had a car with drum brakes in so long it'* painful to think about it.
Are kits available?
I'm just haven't had a car with drum brakes in so long it'* painful to think about it.
It'* possible, I'll let the more technically capable answer that question for you better...
But just so you know, in our front heavy cars, having rear drum brakes isn't really harmful. Your front discs are doing nearly all of the work.
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But just so you know, in our front heavy cars, having rear drum brakes isn't really harmful. Your front discs are doing nearly all of the work.

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Believe it or not, the drum brakes on these cars are very sufficient for the car. Plus it is a very simple setup, with only one coil spring, a retractor spring, adjuster assembly, park brake lever, and the shoes. Other than that, it is the simplest drum brake setup I have ever seen.
Originally Posted by JMH1950
Is it possible, practical, economical to install disc brakes on the rear of a 1994 Bonneville SE?
Are kits available?
I'm just haven't had a car with drum brakes in so long it'* painful to think about it.
Are kits available?
I'm just haven't had a car with drum brakes in so long it'* painful to think about it.
Originally Posted by bigbadbonneville
I'm just haven't had a car with drum brakes in so long it'* painful to think about it.
The front brakes on the 92-99 cars are undersized, and the assist systems of the older cars can't touch that of a newer one in terms of feel, pressure, etc...
Don't forget about the ABS also. If you want to keep it, you need to make sure that the system is the same for your car and the one you pull parts off of. I am not even sure if there IS a car with the same ABS system and rear discs as the '92 - '99 Bonneville. From what I have read, some people have brought up the Pontiac 6000 STE???, but that is about it.
I am sure that if this was an easy swap, it would have been done many times here, if for no reason other then looks alone. Keep in mind that brake setups are designed specifically for each car and swapping from one car to another could result in poor / unbalanced braking. That could, of course, be adjusted with a proportioning valve and the right master cylinder, but that would possibly take some trial and error.
I am sure that if this was an easy swap, it would have been done many times here, if for no reason other then looks alone. Keep in mind that brake setups are designed specifically for each car and swapping from one car to another could result in poor / unbalanced braking. That could, of course, be adjusted with a proportioning valve and the right master cylinder, but that would possibly take some trial and error.
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