Disk brake conversion?

[Boomyal]

Just did a 'search' on the subject and did not come away with any firm ideas for converting my drum surge brakes to disc. <br /><br />Any ideas or links would be appreciated. I don't want to have to buy a new axle to do this. Just want to be able to take off the existing drum system, toss it in the trash and bolt on the discs.<br /><br /> I have a 20' runabout (medium weight) and just want something that is non-corrosive. A kind of fire and forget type of thing.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

Bronze, bronze, bronze.<br />Bronze calipers & rotors (SS pistons and mounting bolts) are the bees knees for non corrosion. But you'll need a 2nd (or 3rd) morgage. Mounting plates are different to drums, don't think you can do it with existing axles.<br /><br />I've got drum surge and this is what I've done:<br />Drilled and fitted a brass half inch barbed hose fitting into the back of each backing plate, connected a garden hose and ran it to the back of the boat (clipped along the trailer frame same as wiring). Every time I wash the boat (after salt use) I connect the garden hose to the tap and flush the brakes then go for a 5 minute drive to dry them out. Cheap and foolproof.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[garycinn]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

I hear good things about the tie down engineering brake kits:<br /><br /> http://www.championtrailers.com/TIEDOWN_INTRO.HTM

 

[Lou C]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

You can convert to discs without changing your axle, the flanges have the same pattern. You will have to either get a surge actuator that is compatible with disc brakes or remove or puncture the check valve in the master cylinder. Drums need residual pressure that is why the check valve is there, but discs do not and if you don't modify or replace the actuator, it will burn up the discs. I just put in a surge system with the Tie Down Galvax drums (stainless steel hardware, aluminum wheel cylinders, galvax coated backing plates, and zinc coated drums). I also put in the flush system mentioned above. Got all the stuff from Champion Trailers. Also had them make me an axle since the old one did not have brake flanges.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

http://www.titanbrakes.com.au/bronze_brakes.htm

 

[Lou C]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

Wow how do those prices compare to US $??<br />If I get 3-4 yrs out of the drums for $128 a pair I will be satisfied!

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

Bronze 10" rotors - $189.00 each <br />Bronze calipers (dual piston) $279.00 each <br />Add hardware and you're looking at around $1000.00AU (about $750.00US) all up (parts only) but they should last 10 - 15 years.<br /><br />Too rich for me.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[dingbat]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

disc <br /><br />Changed mine over with SS brake lines going on 3rd year now. Still look pretty much like new. <br />I tried the coated drums and they are little better but the adjusters rust up and your back to square one. Disc is the only way to go.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

ABCtrailerparts.com..........GREAT prices

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Disk brake conversion?

Thanks all. Maybe a project for this winter after I get the flooring project done. <br /><br /><br />Ooooh, sure loved those bronze brakes, Dunaruna. Maybe next life.