Disk brake conversion on drive axles?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Brandonpdx, Jan 17, 2026.

  1. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    Anybody ever done this and know what’s involved? Steer already has them, and at some point the drums on the back with need money thrown at them anyway.
     
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  3. ElmerFudpucker

    ElmerFudpucker Road Train Member

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    I have not done it. But it’s possibly cheaper and easier to find a set of axles that are already disc and swap the whole thing out.

    I am pretty sure they can be converted, but I think it’s spendy.
     
  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Just off the top of my head I could see you needing to replace all the hubs as I don't believe you can bolt a rotor to the back side of hubs that are setup for drum brakes. Spiders would need to be replaced with ones that can mount the caliper.

    I don't know what the cost would be exactly but I could see it hitting 5 figures with labor.
     
  5. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I get that, but you're looking at 160$ for a good drum, good set of shoes, and s cam bushings.

    Have you priced calipers, rotors and pads?

    If I did it, I'd find a compatible cutoff and replace the assemblies or stretch it.

    @Tug Toy
     
  6. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    I was going to say 'cut-off'.
     
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  7. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    Okay so the whole wheel end would have to be taken apart? That alone would be a hard pass. My assumption was that it wouldn’t be a cost effective idea but thought I’d ask.

    Any advice on spring brake chambers? I’ve had them go bad several times and was thinking of replacing all 4 of them before one starts leaking and roasts a wheel seal. Any brands better than others? USA made vs Chinesia? I think the Kenworth dealer has TRP brand ones.
     
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  8. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    I’ve had good luck outta Bendix as well as TRP chambers
     
  9. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    I know of absolutely nobody I’d ever trust to cut a truck in half and weld it back together, least of all myself lol.
     
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  10. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Call Rowe Equipment in Otterbein Indiana.
     
  11. Deezl Smoke

    Deezl Smoke Medium Load Member

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    You did mention that you are just curious what's involved, so I'm curious what you were maybe hoping to gain with the conversion? I have both. Disk all round on the 567 and drum on all else. IMO,(o_O) They're like the front air suspension, cool, but over rated.
     
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