Thinking about disc brakes and Minor Hubs

Post by **Arnie** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 3:46 pm

I have a set of Sierra calipers and discs that are left over from a mates kit car project. I thought I would make up the mounting brackets (just steel plate). I was going to buy some aftermarket hubs but is there any reason why I can't use the minor hubs with longer studs or will the increased braking forces shorten the life of the bearings too much (I can machine the hub so the disc bell fits over the hub centre. I may need to put a 10-12mm spacer behind the disc bell to make the clearance for the caliper carrier but everything looks like it will fit. Opinions (only relating to disc conversion please). If this does work i'm looking at a £50 disc conversion (including pads and hoses).

Post by **Innovator** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:49 pm

I have always wondered why this cant be done and felt quite thick when I realised a year or so ago. For years been modifying hubs when you could just slide a disc over the Minor hub..........

I also cant see why the bearings will wear more........ unless with drums with both shoes the forces are acting on both sides. With a caliper it is one side only and this will cause more of a twisting force that is pivoting around the bearings.

Only one way to find out......... go for it.

Post by **Arnie** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:11 pm

Well I have the time to do it the Traveller they will be going on is still under resto. Photos to follow.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:25 pm

My mate did this with Fiat discs over 20 years ago - nothing is new

Pete

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:20 pm

There was a long thread a while back explaining how to do exactly this - using VW discs. It should work - just make sure the engineering is good. It's a safety critical item after all!

Post by **d_harris** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:22 pm

And non-standard wheels.......

Post by **Arnie** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 6:49 am

bmcecosse wrote:There was a long thread a while back explaining how to do exactly this - using VW discs. It should work - just make sure the engineering is good. It's a safety critical item after all!

Absolutely vital about the engineering. I have access to good quality steel so the brackets will be as strong as an off the shelf kit (obviously they will be drilled and filed rather than cnc machined). My concern about the hubs seems to be unfounded. I have made and used brackets with the alloy hubs and it has lasted very well so no concerns there.