Honda Brakes

[DragonCFI]

Everyone know that the drum brakes on the Honda's always fail once they get wet and repairing them is a waste of time.

I was looking at the disc brake conversion kits by Quadrax and Highlifter for them. Has anyone every tried these and are they worth the money.

[Garryese]

Let me first say that there is nothing I dislike more than drum brakes on an ATV. The main reason why I prefer north americian made ATVs is hydrolic disc brakes.

I cannot remember the last time we had a Honda in our shop for brakes were the brakes were properly maintained. Actually the same statement can be made for any brand with drum brakes.

All the seals on drum brakes require liberal amounts of grease to keep water out. If the seals are ran without grease, they need to be changed. If the seals are in good shape, installed correctly, and greased properly water will not get in the drums.

If water does get in the drums then adjusters and cams needs to be serviced before they seize up; shoes, springs, backing plate and drum need to be cleaned. If this work is not done then all but the backing plates will require replacment in a short time.

Properly maintained disc brake pads will typically last 800 to 2000km; drum brake shoes 1500 to 4000km. Brake discs typically last 3500 to 7000kms; brake drums will out live the atv. Disc brakes generally require no service between pad changes; drums brakes require servicing every third adjustment or about every 800kms. Over the life of an atv the cost of proper maintainance on the each brake system is about the same if you have a shop do all the work. If you do your own maintainance then drum brakes are actually cheaper if they are properly maintained.

The conversion kits are only worth it if you know you will not do the required maintainance on your drum system.

BTW, servicing drum brakes every 800km will take about a half hour per drum and one tube of grease will service 20 to 25 drums and associated seals.