====== Disc brake ======

^ System | [[parts:brakes:start|Brakes]] |
^ Type | Add-on (non-original) |
^ Replaces or supplements | [[parts:brakes:front_brake|Front brake]] or the rear drum brake ([[parts:brakes:brake_back_plate|brake back plate]], [[parts:brakes:rear_brake_shoe_set|rear brake shoe set]]) |

<WRAP tip>This page is a starting point. More detail will be added.</WRAP>

===== Description =====
The original C5 brakes are its weak point. The front caliper acts on a nylon rim that softens when hot, and the rear drum (on the right-hand wheel only) tends to grab. Owners have fitted disc brakes, front and rear, to improve stopping power and to avoid overheating the front rim.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6699160

===== Known problems =====
  * A disc conversion changes the parts the 1983 rules and the handbook expect ("use only the specified brakes"). That's a consideration for road use; see [[guides:the_law|The law]].
  * The front wheel is nylon. Any disc mounting must transfer braking torque without stressing the hub.

===== Other conversions =====
  * Chas and Pep developed a front disc brake kit (c5owners forum, 2013), which kamztrad used on a 36 V C5.
  * A rear disc brake conversion has also been tested on the c5owners forum.

===== Related parts =====
[[parts:brakes:front_brake|Front brake]] · [[parts:brakes:front_brake_blocks|Front brake blocks]] · [[parts:brakes:brake_back_plate|Brake back plate]] · [[parts:brakes:rear_brake_shoe_set|Rear brake shoe set]] · [[parts:wheels:front_wheel|Front wheel]]

===== Sources =====
  * c5owners.com forum (closed to new posts, still readable):
    * [[https://www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-forum/topic/129/front-disc-brake|Front disc brake]]
    * [[https://www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-forum/topic/235/front-wheel-disc-brake-mod|Front wheel disc brake mod]]
    * [[https://www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-forum/topic/33/back-wheel-disc-brake|Back wheel disc brake]]
    * [[https://www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-forum/topic/206/rear-disc-brake-testing|Rear disc brake testing]]
    * [[https://www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-forum/topic/253/36-volt-c5|36 volt C5]]: kamztrad, 2013
  * [[docs:unofficial_service_manual|The Unofficial Sinclair C5 Service Manual]], "Known Problems" (front rim softening, rear brake locking)