20" rims/ brakes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bigdog257 · 03-25-2005, 05:23 PM

Can anyone with this size rim or bigger tell me if you have to upgrade your brakes. If so what needs to happen? I was told the bigger rims cause alot of heat and wear out the brakes. Is this true?

Thanks for any info

LONGHAIR · 03-25-2005, 07:28 PM

Bigger wheels do not have any way to generate heat themselves, it is the rotating mass (weight) that can cause problems. The brakes not only have to stop the moving truck's rolling weight/energy but the centrifugal force of the rotating wheel. There is also a bit of leverage disadvantage if the tires are larger in diameter too.
None of this is as bad as a 4X4 with much larger diameter tires though, but it can be a noticeable factor.

That said, a brake up-grade is a good idea, but it may not be an absolute requirement.........depends up too many factors.

Bigdog257 · 03-30-2005, 08:37 PM

Thanks for the information. I think I'll upgrade just to be safe.

03-25-2005, 05:23 PM	#1
Bigdog257 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Naples Florida Posts: 44	20" rims/ brakes Can anyone with this size rim or bigger tell me if you have to upgrade your brakes. If so what needs to happen? I was told the bigger rims cause alot of heat and wear out the brakes. Is this true? Thanks for any info

03-30-2005, 08:37 PM	#3
Bigdog257 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Naples Florida Posts: 44	Thanks Thanks for the information. I think I'll upgrade just to be safe.

03-25-2005, 07:28 PM	#2
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Bigger wheels do not have any way to generate heat themselves, it is the rotating mass (weight) that can cause problems. The brakes not only have to stop the moving truck's rolling weight/energy but the centrifugal force of the rotating wheel. There is also a bit of leverage disadvantage if the tires are larger in diameter too. None of this is as bad as a 4X4 with much larger diameter tires though, but it can be a noticeable factor. That said, a brake up-grade is a good idea, but it may not be an absolute requirement.........depends up too many factors.



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