Swapping disc brakes to drums

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by BTC537, Nov 12, 2018.

  1. BTC537

    BTC537 Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Nov 12, 2018
    0
    So for my first post I decided to get roasted, because why not, and because I cant find any info on it anywhere.

    So, I have a 2015 Mack. All 3 axles on this truck are disc brakes, awesome right? Well at this point not really... Since the brake pad on steer axle right side got randomly compressed on road and burned up whole wheel. That is spindle, hub/rotor assy, brake pads, and caliper.

    I want to swap whole front axle to drum brakes, might sound dumb but only reason I want to do that is because the hub/rotor assembly from Volvo is on about couple month national back order (haven't checked on spindle yet, probably going to get same answer) also I really have some trust issues with used parts. Well truck cannot sit for whatever months waiting for parts.

    My question is would swapping front axle into drums create any issues, such as braking force differences and pose a risk of jackknife since rears would stay as is - disc, and would have much greater braking force than steers in that case.

    Any input is appreciated. Thanks
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

    4,921
    6,573
    Aug 21, 2011
    0
    I don't know your answer.
    Some thoughts.
    Truck brakes are set for the drive axles to apply before steer axle.
    Would changing brake type be functionally ok I think yes.
    What does fmcsa say. Do the brakes have to be the same as other axles?

    Why not get an axle from Dexter, Eaton, who makes the axles?

    Why not buy used? From day 1 all the parts on your truck are used.

    I would buy used and replace all the wear parts.
    Good luck
     
    MartinFromBC, daf105paccar and speedyk Thank this.
  4. BTC537

    BTC537 Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Nov 12, 2018
    0
    Well there are trucks with steer discs and drum drives, seen plenty. However have yet to see other way around
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  5. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
    42,098
    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
    0
    Im not worrying about a jackknife on any truck with adequate braking. If that trailer wants to come around, it will do it.

    Ease your mind Sir.
     
  6. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    27,707
    145,153
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    30-odd years ago trucks didn't even have steer axle brakes and guys did just fine. As to particulars of the swap, I can't help much. Just be aware that you might run into some ABS issues if you have to change the hubs and the tone rings don't have the same number of teeth.
     
    Hulld, ODR, SAR and 2 others Thank this.
  7. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

    4,185
    5,999
    Aug 26, 2014
    0
    Any time I have tried changing brake types the spider bolt pattern and or hub ( backing plate hub ) were different.
     
  8. MartinFromBC

    MartinFromBC Road Train Member

    2,769
    12,467
    Oct 19, 2018
    0
    This is the same answer I would give.
     
  9. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

    4,185
    5,999
    Aug 26, 2014
    0
    ...
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 15, 2018
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.