Best 2001 Pathfinder Drum to Disk Conversion Kit?

[binar01011]

Fellow Forum Members,
I own a 2001 Pathfinder and I have decided to convert my rear drum brakes to disk brakes. What is the best drum to disk conversion kit on the market today for a 2001 Pathfinder? I am looking for a kit that includes all around drilled rust proof rotors, Red Calipers and conversion brackets. A kit that will offer all of these features will in my opinion make it the best in the market.

In short, I will welcome any info. Including any comments as to whether going to a junk yard and getting rear disk brakes from a 2006 Pathfinder and transplanting them on to my 2001 Pathfinder is a viable solution. Thanks in advance to everyone who contributes an opinion to this thread.

[rgk]

Uh oh, here we go again. We just had this discussion:

97-pathfinder-rear-rotor-kits-t602609.html

per Hawairish, here is a link for the brake conversion: http://nissannut.com/projects/H233b_disc_brakes/

[binar01011]

Uh oh, here we go again. We just had this discussion:

97-pathfinder-rear-rotor-kits-t602609.html

per Hawairish, here is a link for the brake conversion: http://nissannut.com/projects/H233b_disc_brakes/

RGK,
Thanks a lot for your post. I looked over your link and from what I see it's not really relating to a 2001 Pathfinder. Has any one out there ever performed a drum brake conversion over to disk brakes for a 2001 Pathfinder?

Additionally, does anyone out there know what conversion kit is for sale that applies to my 2001 Pathfinder? I have looked at Wilwood and they don't seem to make a kit for a 2001 Pathfinder. It's a shame because I think these disk brakes will look nice on my Pathfinder. The link below shows a photo:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CG3H44?psc=1

I look forward to any opinions and or info. Cheers.

[atraudes]

The discussion applies to the 2001-2004 series Pathfinder and QX4 too

[Hawairish]

The link rgk posted (and altraudes confirmed) is completely applicable to your 2001 model. The axles are nearly identical with the exception of the lower shock mounting style and drum shape.

No one makes a conversion kit for the R50. It's possible to swap discs from an older WD21 to other H233B axles according to the links I posted in that thread. I'm picking up some 31-spline axle shafts with rear discs tomorrow, and should be able to confirm things next week. I have a spare 96-00 axle, axle shafts, and 31- and 33-spline diffs to test with.

Despite my stance in that thread (I'm fine with drums), I'm actually interested in the axle shafts to test a spare LSD I have, potentially to improve my LSD even further, or possibly to open up options for putting a 31-spline locker in. I'm getting the parts for free, so I may as well explore my options for the swap. Stay tuned.

[binar01011]

Thanks to all who have posted in this thread. Hawairish I agree with you that no one makes a Pathfinder drum conversion kit. I'm certain of this because I have called a dozen online auto vendors and all of them told me nothing is available.

As for the link RGK provided, I guess what I meant to say is the written procedure in the link does not cover the type of brake conversion I want to upgrade to. But first here is my story. I recently upgraded my wheels to 22 inch chrome wheels. Below is a photo of my new wheels and tires.



I'm sure everyone out there will agree that those rusty old drums I currently have look horrible behind my new chrome wheels. Therefore, my objective is to remove those drum brakes and upgrade to disc brakes that will compliment the beauty of my new chrome wheels. Below is a photo of the type of brakes I want to upgrade to:




In short, I don't want to install conventional disc brakes as shown in the link. I am seeking to install brakes that can be considered a work of art.

My hope is that fellow Nico forum members can address for me the following questions:

Below is a photo of my rear axle:



Is it possible to install a Brembo look alike disc brake on to the axle shown above?

Does the ABS feature prevent the installation of Brembo look alike disc brake on my 2001 Pathfinder?

Since no conversion kit exists the path I want to follow is to buy the components myself and then have a mechanic install them. However, the one missing piece that presents a problem is a bracket to hold the caliper. Can anyone out there post a sketch of how the bracket I need to fabricate needs to look like? Opinions on dimensions for this bracket will be much appreciated.

To what will the bracket attach to? My guess is it will attach to the "Battle Plate" shown in the illustration above.

I'm thinking of buying 15 inch discs. Is that a good size? Since the wheels are 22 inches I think there is plenty of room for the calipers. Am I correct with thinking there is plenty of room?

My mental parts list for this project includes a set of disc brakes with calipers, brake lines and a fabricated bracket. Is my mental parts list correct? What am I leaving out of my list?

I plan to change the rear drum brakes and also the front ones so they all match. Will my front disc brakes also require I fabricate a bracket?

Needless to say I need all the help I can get to make this project a success. My hope is this forum community can offer me some guidance. Thanks in advance.

Cheers

[Buzzman]

I've been on this forum since 2007, and have yet to see a posting where a disc conversion was done.
Lots of enquirers, but no one has done it, as far as I know.
There are definitely no conversion kits for the R50 Pathfinders.
Other than improving the looks (which is what you are after), there is no need to convert to rear discs.
If you do manage to pull it off, keep us posted.
You'll be the trail blazer.

[fueler]

You need to take that wheel off, mask off the studs, and give the drum several coats of flat black.

[binar01011]

You need to take that wheel off, mask off the studs, and give the drum several coats of flat black.

Fueler,
Thanks for the post. I thought about doing that already. However, right now I'm looking into getting the drum chrome plated. I need answers to questions such as:

Drums get very hot when braking. Will the chrome plating hold up? Will the shine go away with all the heat stress? Will just chrome plating the outside be good enough?

On another note. I was at a junk yard yesterday and found a rear axle for a 2012 Pathfinder for $250 and only 27,000 miles. The fellow at the yard told me that 2005 through 2012 all have the same common rear axle. The fellow at the yard also told me that swapping out the axle will require also changing out the suspension. I found this odd because the link that RGK posted makes no mention about changing the suspension.

From what I gather right now changing out the entire rear axle only to convert to disc brakes seems like a very big project. I think the path of least resistance is to figure out how to do it by leaving the rear axle on and just removing the drum brakes. Then it would be a matter of fabricating a bracket and finding the right disc brakes. Any opinions on what I just said will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Hawairish]

Given your objectives, you've got a very long road ahead of you and you should budget for a project that approaches the value of your vehicle.

You need to first understand from those links what is required to simply to "a" conversion. That is the basis of this discussion. That will tell you everything you will need to do, at a minimum, whether you use OE parts or do something entirely custom.

You don't have to use older Pathfinder parts, but the reason this is the absolute most logical approach is because the axles for nearly all Nissan trucks and SUVs pre-04 globally used the axle you have...and of all US vehicles, only one model ever had disc brakes and no one ever made a conversion kit. Patrols had disc brakes, but they are an international vehicle and probably used the same brake parts. Atop that, I doubt any company ever made an upgrade kit.

Likely nothing from the 2012 axle is interchangeable with your axle. Changing the suspension type was not mentioned in the other posts because when using parts from the same axle, the suspension type is irrelevant. The 2012 axle is a completely different axle, drivetrain type, and suspension type. It's possible that the backing plates will fit with or without some machining, but the discs won't work (different wheel hubs and wheel bolt pattern), the axles won't work (CV shafts vs axle shafts), and you'll still need to figure out a suitable parking brake solution.

I personally don't understand the appearance objectives of this project, but to each their own. You're talking about something that your safety, and the safety of others, depends on, so be sure you consider what it does before what it looks like.

Chrome would probably be a bad decision. The heating and cooling will cause it to fatigue, and will likely discolor it if it doesn't just flake off first. But consult with the shop that would do the work. I believe high temp chrome paint also exists, not sure.

Another thing to keep in mind is bigger brakes will likely require a larger master cyclinder. Again, there's a system to consider here...change one thing, expect to change another. This isn't limited to master cyclinders, of course.

If I wanted to achieve your specific goal, I'd be looking for a suitable axle from another vehicle to act as the platform to build upon. The H233b you have isn't it.
Nothing will bolt onto a Pathfinder, so the axle will need work to grind off and re-weld tabs and such to match the suspension. This is a very doable process, typical of any axle swap.

Personally, I'd be looking at older Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma axles. Similar width, same bolt pattern, same suspension type (4Runner), and a few disc brake conversion kits. No clue if they have the size you want, but many of those kits will use GM parts from full size truck axles...which have the same bolt pattern...and I'd expect there'd be tons of upgrades available.

[Hawairish]

This made be of interest to you, if you plan to go a custom route:

http://www.infamousnissan.com/forum/sho ... hp?t=17067

[binar01011]

Hawairish,
Thank you very much for both of your postings. I was really hoping you would decide to share your opinion on this thread because you seem to be very knowledgeable in this matter and a valued member of this community as well. Below is a YouTube link I got from the link you provided in your last post. This YouTube video gives me a good idea of the work involved. It seems to be a lot of work even when one takes into account that what is shown in the video is based on using kit parts that are designed to attach to the axle. In my case the difficulty will probably need to be multiplied by a factor of 10 since there is no conversion kit to begin with specific to a 2001 Pathfinder.

https://youtu.be/X6mmgk0jaIY?list=PL...kkDG5lrbPwhUeq

I Googled a Nissan Patrol since I never have heard of one. You are correct in that its rear axle has disc brakes. The problem with this option are the slim odds of finding one in my local junk yard since this car seems to be only available in foreign markets.

What you call the most logical approach makes me ponder. Using an older Pathfinder rear axle than the one I currently have is an option I find perplexing. But nevertheless, if you say it's the most logical approach I'm not going to second guess you and I'll just accept it as correct. It 's a pity that nothing from a 2012 axle is interchangeable with my 2001 Pathfinder. In short, Nissan has pretty much made my idea to convert to disc brakes very impractical. Even worse, buying a 2005 and higher Pathfinder is not really an option for me because I am not a fan of the boxy design Nissan changed the Pathfinder design over to. And the current design no longer really looks like a truck.

On another note, I managed to get a quote from a chrome plating shop to see how much it's going to cost me to chrome plate my drums. The estimated price to plate my drum brakes is $200.00 to $240.00 each. The shop manager assured me that the chrome plating will hold up to the heat. The only thing chrome plating does not like is salt. But since I don't live in snow country salt is not an problem I need to concern myself with. By the way I also researched the idea of buying new drums already chrome plated. Unfortunately, I was not able to find any for my 2001 Pathfinder. I did however find 2001 Pathfinder drum brakes that come coated in an Electrocoated black finish. The link below shows more info regarding these black drum brakes:

http://www.centricparts.com/products/brake-drums

In closing, going the custom route is not really an option for me because I need my car for everyday driving. However, if I had a second car I think the custom route would be a possibility.

I'll like to thank everyone who has posted their opinion in this thread. There is an old saying that goes, "The devil is in the details". With this saying in mind, I feel appreciative for the exposure I got to some of the devilish details relating to converting to disc brakes. I enjoyed the learning very much.

Cheers to all

[Hawairish]

Well, the guys at NPORA seem to like me more than here, but thanks for hearing me out.

I wouldn't give up so easily, though. I think that H190 kit in the video might actually fit the H233B. A cross-ref on the bearing cages and bearings suggests the axle shaft mounting patterns may be identical. (I can go into more detail about this.) The bearing cage heights are probably different, though, which would require changing the lengths of the stand-offs on the bracket.

The WD21 setup is still a lot easier, but this other approach is far easier than the axle swap I suggested earlier and better to getting to your goal (of course, that suggestion was based on going to a big-brake setup, not just a simple conversion). Customization is the nature of the beast here, though. I would think that with the right design and measurements, a local waterjet/laserjet shop and machine shop could build those custom brackets for a very affordable price...and with enough research, you wouldn't be limited to Isuzu parts. But it's one of those projects that could have a lot of back-and-forth to get the right solution...a beater car sure makes it easier to cope with that.

Just to clarify some other things:

--Yes, you would have a lot of difficulty sourcing Patrol parts here. Patrols are to Nissan what Land Cruisers are to Toyota. A shame we never got them here. The newer Patrols are actually sold here under the Infiniti line, but like the Pathfinder, the newer model is hardly what its predecessor was (at least in terms of off-roading). Though, funny, I've been toying with the idea of getting the R52 for the wife. A new Land Cruiser is completely out of the question, given that it starts at $84K. Jeebus...

--About the WD21 axle...you only need the axle shafts, not the entire axle. The axle itself won't swap to an R50...similar, but very different. However, the internals are similar, but you just need the parts pertaining to brakes, which are all found on the axle shafts (you'd also want to get the parking brake cables, which usually get cut by the lazy JY removers).

--Glad the chrome shop could confirm the resistance to heat. Guess it makes sense...I've seen other heat-prone items chromed before (alternators, valve covers, etc.). Though...if aesthetics matter, you may need to get creative on how to keep chrome drums shiny...removing the wheel will get old, fast.

--Those Centric drums seem interesting; curious to know how well they last. I do what Fueler described (rattle can it), and they last me a year or so, which is fine for me...but I also rock stock wheels. Another option is brake dust shields, which you can find at Summit: http://www.summitracing.com/search/part ... -of-lugs/6. Not nearly as elegant as disc brakes, of course, but at least it hides the drum.

On a side note...I now have all the parts necessary for the WD21 conversion (minus any new replacement stuff). I started disassembling things last night, but I'll need to find a shop to press things off at this point to continue. I have no reason to think it won't work.

[binar01011]

Greetings Hawairish,
Sorry for my late reply. My job has been making me work a lot of OT. I just wanted to followup with something you said in your last post. You pointed out that replacing the entire R50 rear axle with a WD21 is not required. Only the axle shafts from a WD21 rear axle need to be removed and installed on to a R50 rear axle. I think this makes the brake drum to brake disc conversion project seem a lot less overwhelming. I honestly thought the entire R50 rear axle required removal and then had to be replaced with a WD21 rear axle.

I'm a visual kind of person that understands things better with drawings. Below is a graphic I prepared that shows a R50 rear axle next to a WD21 rear axle. I'm hoping you can clarify the following for everyone reading this thread. From what I have learned the spline count on a WD21 axle shaft is 31. In contrast, the spline count on a R50 axle shaft is 33. What needs to be done to the WD21 axle shaft so that it fits the R50 rear axle? Also, you may noticed in the graphic below I circled a bunch of components for each of the axles. Can you clarify if any of the R50 axle components I have circled require they be swapped with WD21 rear axle components I have circled? Lastly, where in the graphic below do you see the custom fabricated bracket mounting on to?




I forgot to mention that while I was looking at Patrols I discovered the Nissan Terrano Regulas. I have to admit I was excited about it because this car from Nissan looks like it's based on a R50 body. But after a closer look I see that the Terrano also has drum brakes in the rear. I wish Nissan could have sold the Terrano here in the USA because that diesel engine it has I think is impressive.

Your suggestion to look into dust covers sent me down a long and winding road. While looking at the link below:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/art-8 ... /overview/

I got to thinking and asked myself why can't I just buy fake disc brakes that will just cover my ugly drum brake? After some solid online research I learned about stainless steel brake disc simulators which are shown in the link below:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/garage-pro-pol ... =c3845u0j1

What disappoints me about brake disc simulators is how there is not a single online vendor in the entire world selling brake disc simulators with the caliper included. I don't think the look is convince able with a fake calipers not included with the brake disc simulators.

This idea of mine got me to do more thinking after I saw the photo shown below:



Basically, my idea is to buy two of these clocks and remove the red calipers and then bolt them on to the brake disc simulators JC Whitney is selling in the link below:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/garage-pro-pol ... =c3845u0j1

In short, I think this will accomplish my goal of covering up my ugly disc brakes while at the same time provide me with the cool Brembo brake look I'm seeking for my Pathfinder.

I would really appreciate any opinions on whether or not my simulator disc brake idea is a good one or a bad one. Cheers to all.

[Hawairish]

A couple misunderstandings...two main things, really:

1) The axles between the WD21 and R50 are different. By axle I mean everything in the diagram installed in the housing in the lower left of each diagram, and many parts not shown (i.e., the differential assembly).

2) The axle shafts between the WD21 and R50 are different. By axle shaft, I mean both the axle shaft itself, but collectively all of the bearings, washers, seals, etc., that install directly on the axle shaft.

The axles are very similar in design, but very different. They are not interchangeable between vehicles. However, some parts do in fact bolt up between the two, such as the removeable differential ("3rd member", not shown, that bolts to the axle housing and that the axle shafts slide into).

The axle shaft are also very similar, but very different. Not only are the spline counts not the same (31 vs 33 as you've noted), but the length of the axle shafts are also different (the WD21 is a few inches shorter), as well as the diameter of the shaft beyond all the wheel bearing components. The wheel bearings are the same, which means that area where they are pressed onto is also very similar (but not the same).

All that the swap entails is replacing the drum brake backing plate ("baffle plate") on the R50 axle shaft with the disc brake backing plate from the WD21 axle shaft (#3 shown below).



Each backing plate holds everything for its specific braking system. The completed R50 axle will re-use every part it originally had except the drum brake backing plate, the wheel bearing assembly, and wheel bearing lock washer (the bearing will likely be damaged upon removal, and the other should be replaced per Nissan). The challenge to the swap is getting the wheel bearings removed and installed, both requiring a floor press. In between removal and installation of the wheel bearing is when the disc back plate is installed.

The Terrano is the R50, just the international name. Regulus and a few other designators were used instead of SE, LE, etc. Same exact vehicle, but it also had a turbo diesel option. There's also the Terrano II, but that's basically like the Ford Bronco vs. Ford Bronco II.

Personally, simulators aren't my thing. $5 rattle can job and no one will give it any thought, in my opinion.

[barnaclebob]

Basically, my idea is to buy two of these clocks and remove the red calipers and then bolt them on to the brake disc simulators JC Whitney is selling in the link below:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/garage-pro-pol ... =c3845u0j1

In short, I think this will accomplish my goal of covering up my ugly disc brakes while at the same time provide me with the cool Brembo brake look I'm seeking for my Pathfinder.

I would really appreciate any opinions on whether or not my simulator disc brake idea is a good one or a bad one. Cheers to all.

How exactly do you plan on keeping your phony brake disk calipers from rotating? I'd think a spinning fake caliper would look worse than a fake brake disk with no caliper...

I have no issues with most cosmetic upgrades but IMO brake simulators look stupid and you will only be impressing people that don't need impressing when you try to make fake performance improvements. Anyone with any real knowledge of cars will know you are a fraud.

Just paint your drums black if you can't stand them, nothing wrong with that.

[binar01011]

I'm just here to learn and I never claimed to be an expert mechanic. As for my brake disc simulator idea it obviously needs further refinement. Mounting a fake caliper to a bracket that is secured to the rear axle might be a work around to the problem you mention. Obviously, all of this is just for cosmetic purposes with the goal to make an old 2001 Pathfinder look like no other 2001 Pathfinder out there. And if my Pathfinder ends up looking like a "fraud" it's no bother to me. In short, the automotive after market enhancements industry is a big business. For example I have seen fake air scoops on a hood and fake tail pipes as well. . I'm just surprised no automotive after market vendor out there has not elected to sell a simulator disc brake kit that includes a fake caliper. I think such a kit will sell like hot cakes.

You are right about one thing. Most likely the option I'm going to pursue is going with black drum brakes. However, I don't plan to paint them. I'm just going to get new drum brakes that already come coated in black.

[atraudes]

Oh, they do. In a variety of colors, even.



Just do a search on Amazon or eBay for something like "drum cover". You could even upgrade to Brembos in the front while you're at it.

[barnaclebob]

Wow, with the fake disk pressed right up against the wheel they really look bad and leave no room for a fake caliper to go along with it.

I think a fake caliper that looks like that would detract from the wheels by taking away contrast with the dark background. The main reason the brembo brake calipers look so good is that they show up so well against their surroundings.

[Hawairish]

FYI, R50 Disc Swap Conversion:
http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/ ... onversion/

[barnaclebob]

Damn, that seems like quite a bit of work...

[Hawairish]

Yeah, it wasn't terrible or anything, but definitely a job requiring some specialty tools and/or labor. This obviously isn't a kit by any means, but proof that it can at least be done without a significant amount of customization. But limiting factors, of course, are the availability of WD21 discs assemblies and making some sort of custom bracket.