Disc Brake Conversion: How To Do It Yourself
August 8th, 2019
So, you've put a lot of thought into it, and you're almost ready to purchase a disc brake conversion kit. Now you need to figure out how you're going to get it installed. One excellent care-free option is to let Performance Trailer Braking connect you with one of our approved independent installers. If you'd rather save some money and are comfortable with a DIY involving electrical and mechanical, you could also install the system yourself. PTB is here to help either way. If you're thinking about a DIY, you've come to the right page.
On this page, we'll walk you through the high-level steps you'll want to take to install the kit yourself. Please note that these are just very high level steps to get you in the right direction. When you purchase your kit, we'll provide you with a much more detailed step-by-step installation guide which will give you specifications for your install. You can also watch our video which will help walk you through the process and as always, feel free to contact us via phone or email.
Step 1: Prepare
Preparation is a necessary step in any project, and a trailer disc brake upgrade is no exception. You'll want to set up your workspace, verify you received all necessary parts, and remove your tires and wheels.
Step 2: End Kit Installation
In this step, you'll remove the old electric brakes and install the new hubs, rotors, and calipers.
Step 3: Install Actuator
Next, you'll mount and wire the actuator to the place of your choosing.
Step 4: Install Brake Lines
After the actuator is installed, you'll need to run the brake lines to your calipers.
Step 5: Bleed the Lines
Once the brake lines are installed, you'll need to bleed the lines and test the actuator to ensure smooth operation.
Step 6: Clean Up and Testing
Finally, you'll want to test your brakes before getting on the road to ensure they are operating correctly. When you're all done, you'll want to clean up and then enjoy your new brakes!
"Nothing But Glowing Posts About This Company"
Upgraded our Solitude at Performance Trailor Braking. Dennis in Cochise, AZ did an amazing job! Shared a lot of knowledge, very responsive and just a very nice guy. 8k axles, 4k Slipp Read Moreer springs, disc brakes, comfort ride shocks, and crossbeams. I no longer worry that our weight is “right on the edge”. I now see why I’ve heard nothing but glowing posts about this company and this upgrade! They are also at many rallies. Thank you Dennis!
Jim Skelnik
Box Elder, SD
"Professional Job....very patient..."
We had our install (disc brakes and Roadmaster suspension and crossmembers).
Josh and Heather were wonderful! Professional job and they were very patient when we asked “lotsa” q Read Moreuestions.
I would highly recommend them to anyone needing service.
Diane Sorantino
Pennsville, NJ
"Rare Quality Human"
In June, at the Northwood Mfg. rally in La Grande, Oregon we had your disc brake package installed on our Artic Fox fifth wheel. I'm the type of guy that likes to do things like this by Read Moremyself, but as I've gotten a lot older (and hopefully wiser) I decided to have someone else do the job. Ready to commit the extra funds for a safety improvement on our trailer, it was the perfect time. The perfectionist in me is a terrible thing to have because if I can't do it right then I usually don't do it at all. Brooke put me at ease as I watched his diligence to detail and how he made sure everything was aligned properly and worked to perfection. All the time with people coming by asking questions or making comments about problems they've had in the past. Brooke patiently answered all as he kept working, satisfying each rally member with explanations for the information they needed, but most of all, ME. I checked his work out to try and find problems or things he might have missed but it was perfect. You have a rare quality human working for you and should be very proud of the work he puts out and the ethics he has. Needless to say, I'm very happy with installation and performance of the brakes you supplied.
Scott H.
Canby, OR