5 replies to this topic

[dasupersprint]

Model:998cc
Year:1978

Hello all,

My Mini is on standard drum brakes all around, I was looking at the front disc conversion kits, but it's a bit expensive to my taste! A kit is worth about 400 pounds in the UK and I can't find anything similar in North America, so shipping cost would be considerable too.

Is it worth it? I mean, I didn't drive the car yet (it's in pieces), but I will have to decide either to buy wheel cylinders, pads and drums or to to convert it all the way to discs.

So basically the question is: Are the drum brakes really that bad?

Thanks!

[MRA]

If looked after and adjusted regularly then they are ok........... however if you find that you need to stop in a hurry then disc brakes could make the difference between stopping and an insurance claim or worse

The question you need to ask yourself is...... how do you drive ? if you drive fast (ish) then discs are a must

[mini_mad69]

I've never driven a car on drums, but i've been told they can cause a lot of brake fade. Regular adjustment is needed aswell.

[lrostoke]

Can't say I have any problems with my drums, like mentioned in another topic even pulled a trailer and they had enough stopping power to stop the car and an unbraked trailer.

When adjusted they are great, the only thing would make me switch is the drums can be a pain to setup right. When discs are working right they are pretty much self adjusting.

I like my 10" rims so switching to discs would be costly.

[dasupersprint]

Allright, since I have no problem to ajust them frequently, I feel like keeping the drums right now. Especially because it's 10 times more expensive to convert to discs than it is to repair/replace parts.

thanks a lot!

[stickycreambun]

I would always tell people my drums were great when I was running them (when my mini was a original 998, ha), until one time I experienced the delights of them fading down a looooong steep hill across town!