Buick Encore Brakes to Sonic

[SonicBRO]

So was this thread based on how to swap just front or front and rear of the encore? Im sure this question has been talked about but, are the encore calipars single pistion which the benefits reached here are just slightly larger rotors with greater surface bite?

 

[CjCsonic]

So was this thread based on how to swap just front or front and rear of the encore? Im sure this question has been talked about but, are the encore calipars single pistion which the benefits reached here are just slightly larger rotors with greater surface bite?

This started out as a thread just for the front, although the rear rotors and calipers can be used as well they are actually the same part numbers as the sonic.
The calipers appear to be the same, pads are slightly larger/taller. This swap requires using the encore caliper bracket and rotors to get a bigger brake.

 

[Stew]

So was this thread based on how to swap just front or front and rear of the encore? Im sure this question has been talked about but, are the encore calipars single pistion which the benefits reached here are just slightly larger rotors with greater surface bite?

Mostly about swapping the fronts, front calipers are single piston. I prefer to say the benefit is essentially a big brake kit for the Sonic using inexpensive OEM parts, but yes, "slightly larger rotors with greater surface bite" will do.

Edit: Doh, CjCsonic beat me to it!

 

[rodslinger]

So.... Cliff notes...

I'm thinking about ordering this stuff up next week. Is the info below pretty much the gist of it?

Parts required for front swap

Bracket - GM PN 13370779 - QTY 2
Rotor - GM PN 13502060 - QTY 2 (or equivalent aftermarket replacement)
Pads - GM PN 13412809 - QTY 1 set (or equivalent aftermarket replacement)
Bolts - 14mm x 2.0 (40mm length) - Flange head, phosphated or similar treatment, grade 10.9 or higher - M14-2.0X40 Hex Flange Bolt Class 10.9 Phosphate and Oil Finish
9/16 drill bit

General process

1) Remove and support oem caliper, reset piston and follow general brake change proceses
2) Remove factory bracket and rotor. Discard, recycle, etc...
3) Drill bracket mounting holes on spindle with 9/16 bit (should provide approx .011 clearance)
4) Install new rotor and bracket with new 14mm bolts.
5) Re-assemble calipers, new pads... Follow general brake service methods. Clean, lube, etc....


Parts for rear disc swap (non-RS cars)

Left abutment plate - PN 95192914 - QTY 1
Right abutment plate - PN 95192915 - QTY 1
Left caliper - PN 13300883 - QTY 1
Right caliper - PN 13300884
Rotor - PN 13505789 - QTY 2 (or equivalent aftermarket replacement)
Pads - PN 13408579 - QTY 1 set (or equivalent aftermarket replacement)
Left brake hose - PN 95480079 - QTY 1
Right brake hose - PN 95480079 - QTY 1

General process
1) Take old crap off
2) Put new crap on (Note: This process actually works well for me but maybe not everyone)

 

[CjCsonic]

For the front yes, rear you will have to talk to mpfab, he is the one heading the rear swap.

 

[Stew]

That looks right for the fronts, I don't think anyones done rears yet although I'll be doing it soon. Also for the rears I'm going to get the splash shields when I do it, which are part numbers 96888371 BACKING PLATE, RIGHT and 96888370 BACKING PLATE, LEFT. Oh, and whatever bolts to bolt the rear calipers to the mounting plate.

I like this process best though:
1) Take old crap off
2) Put new crap on

Edit: Dang it, CjCsonic beat me to it AGAIN!

 

[CjCsonic]

Slow day selling parts stew.

 

[rodslinger]

Anyone measured the old bolt lengths yet for the caliper brackets? I'm making an assumption on the length based on what I see on 99% of the rest of the cars.

 

[Stew]

Anyone measured the old bolt lengths yet for the caliper brackets? I'm making an assumption on the length based on what I see on 99% of the rest of the cars.

Yes, you got it right. I did measure the old 12mm bolts and they are 40mm. I looked at your link for bolts and those look right.

 

[Sneakerfix]

For the rear you'll also need the rear caliper mount

 

[CjCsonic]

Which is also know as abutment plate. ^

 

[gasonright]

Cj... I'd like to meet up around town soon so I can check out the installation of your upgrade.

 

[CjCsonic]

For sure, i remember you just doing the front last time we met up. I smell a sw suburb meet coming on again.....

 

[Stew]

For the rear you'll also need the rear caliper mount

Which is also know as abutment plate. ^

That's what I thought at first but Sneakerfix is talking about the rear caliper mounting brackets, which I see are called caliper mounts, part number 13407177, you need two.

Further, I believe you'll also need qty 4 caliper assy mount bolt, part 13584090 which are the small specialized 10mm (or was it 8mm) headed bolts that fasten the caliper to the caliper mounting bracket.

I just got my list of rear disc parts finalized and will be ordering tomorrow. Once all the parts come in I'm thinking we'll just have to start a new thread for converting the rears.

I know there is a thread about that already but it's got a lot of old info and speculation in it, time for a new one.

 

[MPFab]

My rear rotors and rear calipers finally arrived. Hopefully, I plan to start on that soon, but seeing as how I just got the Evo running again, it may be awhile.

 

[Sneakerfix]

My rear rotors and rear calipers finally arrived. Hopefully, I plan to start on that soon, but seeing as how I just got the Evo running again, it may be awhile.

Just scored the rear set of calipers off ebay for 110 shipped.

Sucks the rear mounts are dealer only and cost more for the cruze then sonic

 

[Stew]

CjCsonic, as far as you know are you still getting your car back tomorrow?

 

[CjCsonic]

CjCsonic, as far as you know are you still getting your car back tomorrow?

Well they told me I might have it today, but....
The part never came in. So now it will be in tomorrow, hopefully. I should have my car by the afternoon and I'm off thursday.
Once I have my car I plan on taking a million pics and posting the "How To".
Right now I'm praying to the car gods I get my car back tomorrow and get the heck out of the cruze they loaned me.

 

[Stew]

Thought I'd give another update on the new brakes now that it's been a couple of days.

Driving Impressions

1) The pedal feels a little firmer. I'm not an expert on the dynamics of braking but what I think is going on is the new pads have a little more surface area so to get the same PSI of force you need to push the pedal a little harder.

2) The pedal has more of a linear relationship with the braking. This is no doubt due to the increased braking capability of the larger brakes.

Other observations

After getting used to seeing the bigger brakes they just look normal now. This is how the Sonic should've come in my ever so humble opinion.

With the larger front brakes the rear drums look even more out of place. Thank goodness I've already ordered all the RS rear disc parts.

Overall I am just pleased as punch so far, I still can't get on them too hard yet, things are still wearing in, burning off coatings, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions, and CjCsonic hurry with that DIY!!!

 

[CjCsonic]

Unfortunately, after the "honey do" list, playing with my kid, and shopping the only thing I did to my sonic today was wash it, and not very good at that. Hopefully the next day I'm off I can get the swap done.
Stew, if you want post the before and after pics, people have been waiting for those and I honestly don't have the time to get it done this week like I thought.
Family first, car second.... Today anyway.