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!
"Truly one of a kind amazing people!!!!"
Hi Kelly,
I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for all your help getting this done but most importantly I wanted to really thank you for setting us up with John & Barbara for th Read Moree install.
Professional, polite, fun, knowledgeable and just simply decent people doesn’t even to begin to describe them. Your company is truly blessed to have them!! What an amazing team they are.
They both explained every step of the way what was going on, explained every part being used and it’s purpose. We left for a couple hours during the install and our campground neighbor was totally impressed that even while we were not there they kept working and never missed a beat!!!
After the install was complete John & Barbara hung around for a while going over everything and making sure I had no questions. I’ll be honest.. I’m not the most mechanical person and John made sure I understood everything and the proper way to maintain it as well as making sure I had all their contact information if I ever needed anything or had a problem or questions!!
Truly one of a kind amazing people!
Don & Gayle Huggans
Weymouth, MA
"Saved Our Christmas!"
e were traveling through Deming New Mexico on our trip from Rockport, TX to Las Vegas, Nevada for Christmas 2023 with the kids and grandkids. We pulled into a truck stop. Turns out we l Read Moreost a bearing on the front axle of our Reflection 337RLS. Worse yet, it had ruined the axle, brake pads, brake caliper and of course the bearings.
I called Performance as my last hope of ever getting to Vegas. Michael put me in contact with Dennis Hageman in Kingman Arizona. He had all the parts I needed in stock and said he would load up and be in Deming by 1:00 AM. After a little sleep, he started on the repair at 8:00 AM and had us on the road by noon. Not only did he do a great job replacing the axle, disc brake caliper and bearings, he serviced the other three axles to make sure we would make it to the kids house. He also inspected the suspension and told me that I may have to have some service done on it soon. He saved our Christmas.
Fast forward to March 2024. I ordered the Roadmaster suspension from PTBon Dennis's recommendation. He told me there were other, cheaper, options, but that this was the best. Since he is quite an expert (in my opinion) I am at least smart enough to listen to those in the know. We met him in Kingman on our way back to Las Vegas and had him install the suspension. I watched the entire install and was impressed with the detail and care he took in his job.
Great product, great service, really great people, and true miracle workers.
Tim Homerding
Yuma, AZ
"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