[highlevel]

Originally Posted by Anthony C

I'm another new guy looking for answers, and trying to save a dollar. Long story short, I was having fade problems with my brakes. I put new pads on from NAPA, 3 months later. I started having problems with my rotors. I replaced the rotors from NAPA $100.00 ea. the same style pads, 3 months later, rotor problems. NAPA warranted the rotors. This time new rotors, cheap pads, turned the drums and replace the rear shoes. 3 months later, the drums out of round. I replaced the rear drums, good stopping power! Drums out of round, out of the box. NAPA turned the drums for free, the stopping power not as good any more. Either I go to Toyota for drums, or I convert to rear disc. Are these conversion kits worth the money??? How much is a conversion kit? Any replies are welcome. Thanking you in advance, Anthony

Seems like an interesting series of defects. I would ask... How are your driving habits? Are you a fast driver who brakes real hard or a mellow driver? Do you ride your brakes? Do you drive a lot of hilly roads? Are you carrying any loads and if so how much and how often? Is your vehicle stock, or lifted? Size of tires? Also wondering if your proportioning valve(s) are working properly and if the brake fluid has been changed and all the air bled out of the system. Just wondering if you have looked at these possibilities along with manufacturer defects. You may have already done or checked everything.

I am not trying to imply anything here just trying to help. I like to go with the simple things/fixes first while going through the process of elimination. That brake conversion kit seems pretty spendy and Tinik could have a really good point about the rear drums. I was thinking of doing a similar change with my rear brakes and spoke with a brake installer who said it was not a very good idea for trucks... unless you are racing.