Installing disc brakes on a UAZ

Most modern cars produced by foreign concerns are equipped with disc brakes on the front and rear axles. The Patriot SUV still uses an outdated system device, namely drums on the rear axle. This is explained by the fact that the plant has a well-functioning production line and making changes is too expensive. However, if desired, car owners can independently update this unit and install disc brakes instead of drums. Let's take a closer look at the advantages of this system and how to install it.

Do-it-yourself: installing disc brakes on a UAZ

Most UAZs sold in the post-Soviet space (of course, mostly in Russia) are equipped with drum brakes, which were produced back in the Soviet era. This is due to the fact that at that time many car manufacturers could not afford to use disc brakes on their cars.

UAZ model range

Time passed, but the UAZ was never equipped with a disc brake system. However, car owners are not happy with this state of affairs. Many of them are wondering how to install disc brakes on a UAZ with their own hands.

In this case, there is only one way out - to change the drum brake system to a disc one. It is believed that disc brakes are the most reliable. But is it worth changing one system to another?

What will need to be changed

Using drum braking systems, you have to constantly monitor their adjustment. In addition, they wear out unevenly and very quickly. As a result, you have to change the pads often - and this, as you know, is an additional expense.

It is easy to notice that disc brakes are much superior to drum brakes in terms of functionality, so it is recommended to change the entire brake system at once. If for some reason this is not possible, install disc brakes on the front wheels.

Tips for the UAZ owner

What will be needed for replacement? Based on the experience of professional automotive locksmiths, the following materials and tools will be needed when working.

Set of disc brakes for UAZ.
Bolts M12X1.
Studs 50x10.
Caliper holders.
CV joints “Birfield” - 2 pcs.
Adapters M10-M12.
Brake shields - 2 pcs.
Steering knuckle housing - 2 pcs.
Faceplate M10.
Bearing pins from AD set.
Round file.
Adjustable wrench.
Screwdriver Set.
Jack.
Hammer.
Litol or any other lubricating oil.

If you strictly follow the instructions, you will be pleased with the results.

Do I need to change

To figure out whether you should replace your brake system, first think about all the pros and cons of both disc and drum brakes. Note that here we are only talking about a car with the UAZ brand.

We've already found that disc braking technology improves your safety while braking. In general, this car drives well on any road surface, especially off-road. And when a vehicle drives on a dirty road, the drum brakes can become clogged and stop working, or even break down at the most unnecessary moment. Sand can also get in there, quickly and unevenly wearing away the brake pads. And this can lead to constant replacement of such automobile parts.

But disc brakes don’t care about not only sand or dirt, but also water. This system is more protected from wear, and it also shortens the stopping distance and increases the braking coefficient.

If you use drum brakes, be prepared for the wheel to seize when making a sharp turn or while waiting at a red light. Why? It all depends on the pads, which constantly overheat. But disc brakes are equipped with the highest quality ventilation due to special holes.

Flaws.

The most important of them is cost. This device is quite expensive, which makes installation quite costly. You also need to be prepared for the fact that such changes will have to be recorded in the registration certificate. This will require additional testing and permission from the relevant services.

Without this, you are not allowed to use the car on public roads. Of course, the traffic police inspector may not notice these changes in the car, but if modifications are discovered in such a situation, a large fine will be issued or a license may be deprived.

The total cost of a finished set of rear disc brakes will cost at least 18 thousand rubles. It consists of a special mount for driving the handbrake, caliper, casing, pads and other things.

Installation features

The installation kit comes with instructions that describe how to perform each step. However, some features are not specified in the manual.

When replacing standard pads with disc pads, take into account the following points:

The bracket that secures the brake hose almost always requires modification.
If non-standard discs are installed, you need to change the parking brake cable fastening. This will prevent friction on the balancers and ABS sensors.
Dimensions of parts may differ from those indicated in the instructions. In this case, the components are modified independently or replaced.

After conversion, you need to regularly check the tightness of the nuts, which is explained by the increased load on the system.

We immediately warn the owners that the front disc brakes of the UAZ Patriot are not suitable for installation on the rear wheelset, as they are too powerful. You can use components from cars of other brands, for example, front-wheel drive VAZ models, but they will have to be significantly modified to fit the Patriot. Now on sale there are ready-made HA kits for the UAZ Patriot, which include a bracket, a disc with a caliper, a special mount for the handbrake and installation instructions. Please note that there are different options for installation in a car with and without ABS, and the kits may also include calipers from different domestic (GAZ, VAZ) and foreign cars. In addition to disc brakes, you will need a repair kit, fasteners and brake fluid.

The execution of the work will differ depending on the features of the purchased kit, but the general algorithm of actions remains the same. The first stage is dismantling the brake drums:

remove the rear wheel;
unscrew the brake drum mounts;
dismantle the drum;
we pinch the brake hose and unscrew it;
unscrew and dismantle the hub with the oil seal and bearings.

The second stage is the installation of disc brakes:

install the bracket;
reinstall the hub, oil seal and bearing;
install the brake disc and fix it (to fix it, we use standard fasteners, and if their threads are filled with paint, we use an M10 tap);
install the caliper by placing it on the bracket and check whether the disc rotates freely;
attach the brake hose;
install a cable connecting the brake pads to the handbrake;
adjust the cable tension;
After performing similar actions with the other wheel, pump the brakes.

Advantages of the disk mechanism

Everyone knows that the disc brake system is more reliable than the drum brake. Reliability lies in the fact that if during operation water or small particles get on the disc or friction part of the pad, the device continues to operate. The same cannot be said about drum brakes, because even a drop of water falling on a pad will reduce the braking effect to zero.

In addition, disk units have one feature - they cool well and quickly, since the air passes through special ventilation ducts. As a result, the pads do not stick to the disc and will never cause jamming. In addition, disc brakes look better against the background of titanium alloy wheels. Therefore, owners of UAZ Patriot SUVs decide to switch from a drum mechanism to a disk one. Moreover, it is possible to make such a transition without the need to visit a service station, but to do everything with your own hands. But before we begin to consider the question of what is needed for this and how to do it, let’s consider whether there are any disadvantages to disc brakes on the UAZ Patriot?

Flaws

The most significant drawback is that the design of disc brakes is not cheap, so even such a do-it-yourself installation will cost a decent amount. But, besides this, if this does not stop you from your idea, then you should also know that after the replacement you will need to enter changes into the vehicle’s registration certificate. Before entering, you will need to pass tests of the unit and after permission from the relevant services, it will be possible to make changes to the registration certificate of the UAZ Patriot.

Only after certification has been completed will you be able to drive your car onto the track after such processing. Of course, when a policeman stops you for the first time, he will not consider what kind of brakes you have, but still, violation of the law of the Russian Federation is punishable by a fine and deprivation of rights. Therefore, this issue of re-equipment should be taken seriously.

Disc Brake Installation Kit

Where to get?

On the way to replacing drum brakes with disc brakes, car owners of a UAZ Patriot SUV have a question: where can they get them? On the UAZ Patriot you can install a set of disc brakes from a VAZ-2110 car, but you should just take into account that the system will need to be modified, or rather, attach the handbrake cable drive to them. But due to the fact that this question is quite popular, special kits for installation on the UAZ Patriot on the rear axle have recently appeared on sale.

The basis of this kit for the rear axle of a UAZ Patriot SUV includes a disc with a caliper, as well as a special PK DYMOS mount, which is intended for the handbrake. The caliper for the rear brakes on the UAZ Patriot was taken from VAZ. The disc brake kit for installation on the rear axle comes with instructions that describe each step in detail. But the manufacturer leaves out some points, which in the end you have to finalize yourself or turn to a service station for help. We will look at what the installation of disc brakes on the rear axle of an SUV includes, as well as what points need to be improved independently.

A ready-made set of disc brakes for the rear axle can be purchased online or in auto stores upon request. The cost of the kit will cost approximately 18,000 rubles.

Installation

To begin, purchase a set of products that will be installed on the rear axle. After this, you can begin the process, which includes:

The rear wheel is removed and the brake drum is unscrewed.
The hub with bearings and oil seal is unscrewed and removed.
The brake hose is unscrewed from the place where it is attached to the shield fitting.
Now you can dismantle the drum along with the casing.
A bracket is mounted to secure the caliper and shield. The discs are fixed using standard fasteners. But here you will need to use an M10 tap to tap the threads of the bridge flange. There is a thread, but it is filled with paint, so it will need to be updated.
The hub, bearings and oil seal are installed on the rear axle.
The brake disc is installed and secured with bolts.
Now you can install the caliper by placing it on the faceplate. After tightening the bolts, check that the disc rotates freely.
Now you can connect the hose to the caliper and install the handbrake cable.
After this, you will need to adjust the cable tension and bleed the brake system.

Finally, the wheel is installed and the performance of the disc brakes is checked. Here is a brief instruction included with the kit for installation on the rear axle. But now let’s look at what important points need to be improved.

Installation of the brake hose bracket will require modification. That is, it is necessary to fix the standard brackets to the rear axle. To do this, you may need a drill with a drill bit. It is necessary to drill a hole in the bumper area. The photo below shows an example of installing disc brake brackets on the rear axle.
Depending on what rims are installed on the car, the handbrake cable mount may need to be reworked. If standard steel wheels are installed, then the product most likely will not require modification. If other products are installed, then you will need to cut off the standard cable fastening and drill a new hole to secure the cable. Otherwise, there may be friction with the balancing weights on the wheel rim.

Installation

To install the kit, you must perform the following procedure:

it is necessary to remove the wheel and brake drum;
the hub is removed along with the oil seal and bearings;
dismantle the brake hose;
remove the drum and casing;
install the bracket for the caliper and shield;
You will need a tap to update the threads of the bridge flange.
install the hub, bearing and oil seal, the disc is secured with bolts. It is necessary to tighten them so that after this the disk rotates freely.
After this, connect the handbrake cable and adjust its tension.

During operation, the kit will need to be slightly modified. The standard brackets must be fixed to the bridge. To do this, a hole is drilled in the bumper area. You also need to redo the handbrake mount in order to connect the rear brake pads of the UAZ Patriot. You need to cut the cable, then the standard fastener is cut off and it is fixed into the new hole.

Rear brakes

We will install rear disc brakes on the UAZ from VAZ. The calipers must be from a model with a 16-valve engine, as they fit 14-inch wheels. After reading the above material, you can already imagine the installation process and the necessary components for the rear axle. Among the features:

on a UAZ with military axles, the caliper from the right front wheel of the VAZ is suitable for the left axle. A caliper installed correctly when the bleeding hole is at the top (will ensure full bleeding of the brakes);
To install the UAZ caliper discs you need to file a little.

Replacing drum brakes with disc brakes from UAZ 3160 is also possible using calipers from GAZelle. The bracket for attaching the brake hose to the bridge can be taken from Volga. You may also need spacers to adjust the gap between the caliper and the disc. When planning a brake upgrade, think about the wheels. After installing disc brakes, wheels with a standard offset and radius will no longer fit. Be sure to compare the parameters of your discs with the dimensions of the installed brakes.

It is extremely difficult to describe all the intricacies of the conversion process in one article. Therefore, here is a video on installing disc brakes. Do-it-yourself installation is shown using the example of both the UAZ 469 and the more modern UAZ Hunter.

Results

Installing a disc system is an opportunity to increase the efficiency of the brakes and make the car safer. But this is only one side of the coin.

Remember that by making a replacement, you are making design changes to the system, which requires additional verification and reflection in the relevant papers.

In addition, to complete the work you must have the necessary knowledge and tools.

Otherwise, experiments with the brake system may end in tragedy on the road.

Installation and replacement of the main brake cylinder

The main structure of the brake cylinder includes:

compensation and bypass holes;
cavities;
handset;
connecting sleeve;
protective cap;
tank;
low brake fluid level sensor;
thrust ring;
pistons;
washer;
spring device holder;
cork;
cuffs

The principle of operation of the master brake cylinder is based on the fact that when the driver presses the brake pedal, the vacuum booster rod is activated, which pushes the pistons of the primary circuit. Due to this, the compensation holes are blocked and the pressure level in the circuit begins to increase. At this time, the operation of the second circuit is activated, where the pressure level also increases.

Brake fluid begins to flow into the cavity, braking occurs due to the maximum pressure in the piston part.

Replacing the master brake cylinder goes like this:

Disconnect the voltage from the batteries by disconnecting the wires from the terminal.
Dismantle the soundproofing upholstery of the engine compartment.
Disconnect the plug from the sensor responsible for the brake fluid level in the system.
Unscrew the nuts from the brake pipes.
Remove the old cylinder.
Install the new device in the tank with bushings, filling it with working fluid.
Reassemble the mechanism by repeating all steps in reverse order.

BRAKE SYSTEM

Contents of delivery:

Brake disc – 2 pcs.
GAZ caliper assembled with pads – 2 pcs.
GAZ caliper mounting bracket (faceplate) – 2 pcs.
Brake disc protective shield – 2 pcs.
Brake hose fitting – 2 pcs.
Copper washer – 6 pcs.
Locking washer – 2 pcs.
Bolt M12*25 with fine thread, pitch 1.25 – 4 pcs.
Long front brake hose for GAZ caliper – 2 pcs. The hoses are easy to install, because designed specifically for lifted cars and made without unnecessary adapters.
Disc adjusting washer – 8 pcs.
GTZ fitting N/O (adapter from hose to brake pipe) – 2 pcs.
Grover washer d12 – 4 pcs.
Brake hose nut – 2 pcs.
Screw m8*35 for fastening the brake disc – 6 pcs.
Brake fluid – 1 pc.
Packing: box + pencil case