Specifics - Rear Disc Brake Conversion 2nd Gen Camry

[89Camry89]

I have been through the archives on this and attempted to find the answers out on the web. The old URLs are now dead. The general advice was ok, but these cars are getting old enough that I can't just go find one in a nearby junkyard.

I am trying to compile a list of cars that can be donors for the parts I need to do a rear disc brake conversion on a 1989 Camry LE as well as the specific names of the parts I want to find.

I presume I need the rear knuckle, caliper, and wheel hub. But is that all? (Plus parking brake hardware.)

If I am going to call distant salvage yards, search on ebay, or search online, I want to be sure I am using the most accurate terminology. When I query on second hand sites like car-part.com I often don't see categories for rear knuckle, for example. The local parts shops tell me that the aftermarket industry doesn't manufacture replacement knuckles.

If I follow along correctly, all 2nd Gen Camry V6 models were rear disc and would work as donors for me.

How about the first generation 1989-1991 Lexus ES 250 as a donor?

The calipers on the 3rd Gen Camry's appear to be the same in pictures and in one section I found a matching part number when I cross-referenced. Are the 3rd Gen rear knuckles different than the 2nd Gen?

Your knowledge is appreciated.

['88 All-Trac]

Just find a camry in the yard with rear discs- you need the complete knuckle, the section of brake house that bolts to the calipers, and the paling brake lines. The knuckle will bolt to your rear control arms and struts.

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by 89Camry89

How about the first generation 1989-1991 Lexus ES 250 as a donor?

The calipers on the 3rd Gen Camry's appear to be the same in pictures and in one section I found a matching part number when I cross-referenced. Are the 3rd Gen rear knuckles different than the 2nd Gen?

Your knowledge is appreciated.

ES250 rear brakes are compatible. 3rd gen Camry rear disks (also V6 only) are not compatible - the caliper may be the same, but many other parts are different.

-Charlie

[71Corolla]

Originally Posted by '88 All-Trac

you need the complete knuckle...

Are you sure? I did a rear disc conversion many years ago, and I remember just swapping the back plate.

Originally Posted by white90dx

ES250 rear brakes are compatible. 3rd gen Camry rear disks (also V6 only) are not compatible - the caliper may be the same, but many other parts are different.

-Charlie

Are the ES rear brakes different than the V6 Camry?

[atobe]

nope the ES is basicly the v6 camry with leather seats and minor body changes

[71Corolla]

True, the ES250 was as close to a Camry as the ES ever got. But the ES300 had bigger discs in the back vs. the Camry so I was wondering if that was also the case for the ES250.

['88 All-Trac]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Are you sure? I did a rear disc conversion many years ago, and I remember just swapping the back plate.

Not entirely sure, I just grabbed the entire knuckle for the ease of the swap.

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

True, the ES250 was as close to a Camry as the ES ever got. But the ES300 had bigger discs in the back vs. the Camry so I was wondering if that was also the case for the ES250.

ES250 rears are the same as gen2 V6 Camry - the fronts may or may not be different, depending on year and options (mainly ABS).

-Charlie

[modMonkey]

Is there anything special that is needed to convert the drum e-brake to the disk e-brake?

['88 All-Trac]

Just the cables that go from the handle to the brakes. Nothing else is needed.

[modMonkey]

Ah, for some reason I thought the ones from drums could be reused. Is it difficult to disconnect the one from the e-brake? I'm always weary of being under junkyard cars for long periods of time, especially since they are usually held up by objects of questionable integrity.

['88 All-Trac]

It is actually quite easy, especially if the cables are removed from their mounts between the discs and the handle- they function the same way as the throttle cable. Get some slack in the line, rotate them on their peg, and they slide right out. You can reuse everything else for the parking brake, you just need the cable... Handle-side stuff is all the same.

[modMonkey]

sweet! thanks!

['88 All-Trac]

Any time! Really, anything I can do to help prolong the interest in the Gen 2. I love these things!

If you get any more questions, just ask... I'll do my best and if I can't answer, Charlie (white90dx) sure as hell can.

[modMonkey]

Will do! My car holds huge sentimental value for me, going to keep her running forever if i can