brake question

Discuss any maintenance you've done to your Vibe & Matrix and ask how to perform maintenance on your vehicle
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vibedrvr04
Posts: 167
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:32 am

brake question

Post by vibedrvr04 »

Question...would it be feasable (or possible) to change from disc/drum to 4 wheel disc brakes in the Base Vibe? Also, what's involved with doing so?
damronjr
Posts: 5179
Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:30 am

Re: brake question (vibedrvr04)

Post by damronjr »

I saw a kit somewhere for that and it was $900 just for parts. Kind of pricey for something like that.
Jason Damron, San Diego, CA, Supercharged 2004 Vibe base - Gone to the wind My Vibe pics on Cardomain2009 Chevrolet HHR SS!
ToolGuy
Posts: 3584
Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2004 3:38 am

Re: brake question (vibedrvr04)

Post by ToolGuy »

Find a junked Vibe GT, get the knuckles and calipers and you should be more then half way there. I read about a guy that took a 1990's Cavalier Z24 and through searching found GM parts to put rear discs on the Cavalier. Used a couple different GM car parts to do it.
vibedrvr04
Posts: 167
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:32 am

Re: brake question (damronjr)

Post by vibedrvr04 »

anyone actually try this?
Raven
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Location: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec

Re: brake question (vibedrvr04)

Post by Raven »

There will also be the issue of brake bias. The amount of brake fluid pressure needed for rear drums will be completely different for discs. This will either cause brake lock-up or very little braking in the rear. I don't know if this would be an electronic problem or hydraulic type issue.
nismo
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Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 11:01 pm

Re: brake question (Sunny)

Post by nismo »

It would prolly be considered hydraulic because of the amount of pressure needed for the rear disk brakes? I don't think it would be too hard to find the GT brake system in a junk yard and buying it.Inder
2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo - Fun stuff under there somewhere 1998 Nissan Sentra - Sold2004 Pontiac Vibe - 107k and SoldCosmo CAI
vibedrvr04
Posts: 167
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:32 am

Re: brake question (TRD4reel)

Post by vibedrvr04 »

Inder, you think that the install of a GT brake system in the base would be of little hastle?
ragingfish
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Re: brake question (vibedrvr04)

Post by ragingfish »

I think you're looking at a LOT of work for a disc conversion...I don't think it's as "plug and play" as it seems...But, with money. time, and diligence, anything can be done!
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
vibedrvr04
Posts: 167
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:32 am

Re: brake question (ragingfish)

Post by vibedrvr04 »

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »But, with money. time, and diligence, anything can be done! This is true
kcinmi
Posts: 92
Joined: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:53 am

Post by kcinmi »

Better grab the Master Cylinder while your at it. Typically on a Disc/Drum cylinder, the resevoir for the drum side of the system is alot smaller. Or am I thinking of an older type of system where the front and rear were actually seperated? Now that I think about it....
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
03VibeGT6Spd
Posts: 408
Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 12:42 pm

Post by 03VibeGT6Spd »

I have done this swap on old cars going from drum to disk. on those it was just a simple swap.Look up and see if the master cylinder's on the Base and GT use the same part number. and also check the part number on the distribution block.If they are the same you won't have any trouble. If they arent the same buy the GT version and You'll be ok.As far as performace goes the disk brakes on the back won't be very noticeable unless your really doing some hard racing. like a road course or circle track.The back is not near as noticeable as the front.
ToolGuy
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Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2004 3:38 am

Re: (03VibeGT6Spd)

Post by ToolGuy »

Quote, originally posted by 03VibeGT6Spd »I have done this swap on old cars going from drum to disk. on those it was just a simple swap.Look up and see if the master cylinder's on the Base and GT use the same part number. and also check the part number on the distribution block.If they are the same you won't have any trouble. If they arent the same buy the GT version and You'll be ok.As far as performace goes the disk brakes on the back won't be very noticeable unless your really doing some hard racing. like a road course or circle track.The back is not near as noticeable as the front.Follow this advice and hell, cut a deal with a salvage yard on the whole rear axle, then you would be set!
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