Install the caliper on the backing plate. Install the rotor on the spindle properly adjust the spindle nut. Properly grease the bearings and install in the rotor along with the grease seal. Press spacer all the way on the spindle using a brass drift or similar tool (a little grease makes it go on easier).Install the seal spacer on the spindle, beveled side in, shown in the picture.) Install the new backing plate using the original bolts, tighten the bolts to proper torque, cotter pin the lower ones in place.The picture shows a shiny area where this grinding was done. Grind the rear edge of the spindle slightly to make room for the rear mounting bolt and spacer (with flat side) if needed.Make sure that both bolts and spacers (one with a side ground flat) clear the edge of the spindle and will thread into the new backing plate.Temporarily install the new backing plate provided using the original bolts.ĭry fit the two caliper mounting bolts and spacers into the plate. Thoroughly clean the spindle and all related parts. Remove the brake flex hoses from the frame to the wheel cylinders.įlush the front brake cross over line with an aerosol brake cleaner. Remove the front brake drums, brakes, and backing plates. Remove the master cylinder and the brake fluid line to the brass block. The picture will open in a new tab or window (depending on your browser settings). Please read these steps completely prior to beginning your work.Ĭlick on thumbnail image for full size picture. The different diameter in them eliminates the need for a proportioning valve. New rear wheel cylinders are provided with the kit. It is recommended to leave all hydraulic fittings loose until everything is in place and all clearances are checked. The biggest advantage is the straight, true stopping, and the resistance to fade. Even with a booster these brakes will not give you the feel of the disc brakes on your new vehicle, it still takes a bit of pedal pressure. If not, the brake fluid lines would be slightly different. These steps are written presuming you have a power booster on your car. The adjustable rod is available from several of the Thunderbird parts dealers.ĭisc brake calipers are designed to operate at higher hydraulic line pressure than original drum brakes, as a result it is very beneficial to have a power brake booster. The rod has a swivel (Heim) joint on the end that attaches to the brake pedal. The new push rod is installed lower on the brake pedal so it will increase the master cylinder piston travel. The original push rod should be replaced with an adjustable push rod which can be adjusted to take up slack between the push rod end and the master cylinder piston. All conversions have included switching to DOT5 silicone brake fluid.Ī dual master cylinder is installed to separate the front brakes from the rear. On the conversion shown here, the brass block for the brake light switch has been completely removed to clean up the installation, and reduce the number of joints. On all of the installations I have performed, I have removed the hydraulic brake light switch and installed a mechanical switch from CASCO. The photos included, and description provided, are related to the disc conversion kit available from Thunderbirds One in Gastonia, NC. Have some one pump up the brake pedal slowly & smoothly until all the air bubbles are gone & only brake fluid is coming through the line.Converting to disc brakes on your Thunderbird will provide you with significantly improved braking, and is not a hard conversion to make. Put the rubber hose on wheel cylinder bleeder nipple & the other end down into the brake fluid of bottle or jar. Make sure the master cylinder if kept full during this process.įill the bottle or jar up half way with brake fluid. Loosen up the wheel cylinder bleeder but slightly unloosening & tightening it until it's loose. You might have to make it longer if needed Get yourself 12-16 piece of rubber hose that fits snugly over the wheel cylinder bleeder nipple. Get yourself a clear pop bottle or jar so you can see through it. I know a lot of you are still doing the old fashioned way of having someone pump up the brakes while you bleed the wheel cylinders & keep repeating this process to no avail sometimes. A new way for a lot of you to do your brake bleeding from now on.
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