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!
"I have renewed confidence"
Mike, Just wanted to thank you for the kit and all the help and advice throughout the install. We are loading up for our second trip since completing the disk brakes and they work flawle Read Moressly! ...I have renewed confidence while towing about 15K trailer down the road!
Dirk Geib
Yucaipa, CA
"Fantastic to work with"
I just wanted to send you a message saying how fantastic your disc brake conversion is and works. We had done a small local trip with the brakes installed in May which they worked great. Read MoreYesterday we did a 400 mile trip down the east coast and it totally made a huge difference...no worrying about having to stop in a hurry if needed! Which did happen on the New Jersey Turnpike, night and day difference! Thanks again for all the help with getting us new springs and equalizers as well. All is in good shape now!<br /><br />You folks are fantastic to work with and your products you sell are fantastic as well!
Nick Schoellig
"We are happy campers"
Thank you for the professional installation of my new disk brakes. Preston installed them on 12/30/2019 and the next day traveling thru Dallas/Fort Worth we had three occasions to stop Read Morequickly with confidence on 35W. We pull 15,000 miles a year thru mountains and flats. I now relax behind the wheel pulling our 40 ft 16,000 lb 5th wheel. We are happy campers, Dump those drum brakes for disk brakes. Thank you to your entire team in Norman, OK. My old drum brakes always felt like the trailer was pushing the truck when I stopped. Now I feel like the trailer and truck stop together with no feeling of being pushed. You have to remind yourself the trailer is still back there.
Gil and Sandy Palmer