Installing disc brakes

[fishingdan]

I bought everything I need and I am about to install these on my trailer. Any time saving hints or installation suggestions? In other words, I want to do this right the first time.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Follow the instructions. Don't kink the tubing. Keep tubing ends closed and protected until ready to connect them. These are double flare fittings. No sealers or tape should be used., If you can't thread the fittings by hand you have them cross-threaded. In other words:
"Think carefully -- then do!"

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Thanks Silver.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Installing disc brakes

I started the process. It is pretty straight forward. One question though, where do most people run the brake line that runs from the actuator to the rear axle? Do most route it through the trailer or simply attach it to the inside of the rail?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Couple of schools of thought regarding that. If you run it inside the frame there is no way to keep it from rattling around and eventually wearing a hole in the line that you would not be able to detect immediately. I would secure it every 18 inches or so with clamps that have the rubber protectors in them. Secure the clamps to the frame with stainless self tapping screws. It obviously looks better if inside the frame.

 

[brine]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Pay attention to the bleeding instructions!!
Saves a lot of headache.

I laid my break lines through the box tube of the trailer but I put it inside 1/2 in. black plastic water hose first, and shoved it in the trailer as a unit.8)

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Installing disc brakes

when you run the brake line along the axle, make sure it is on the backside of the axle.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Thanks folks. Good tip Bruceb. Is that to road stuff doesn't hit the brake line?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Thanks folks. Good tip Bruceb. Is that to road stuff doesn't hit the brake line?

Yep!

 

[Lou C]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Make sure the actuator is for disc brakes, the one for drum brakes has a residual pressure valve that will cause disc brakes to drag and overheat. I ran my brake line inside the trailer frame, but next time I'd just attach it to the inner side of the frame with brackets, a lot easier.
You will probably have to lubricate sliding pins with marine grease to make sure the calipers can slide back and forth to apply and release the brakes. Also keep in mind that you need to have a flex line to each caliper to allow the calipers to move slightly, which is not required with drum brakes.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Installing disc brakes

Thanks Lou. I purchased a disc brake kit and I have double checked that everything is setup for disc brakes.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Installing disc brakes

This afternoon, I completed the installation of the Tie Down disc brake kit. It is an easy job overall.

- The hardest part of the job was getting the wheels off the trailer. I guess it has been a while. I am glad that I haven't had a flat.

- Everything needed is in the kit. The only thing extra that I used were some extra cable ties to secure the brake line in a could of extra places. I most pleased to find the hubs and new bearins pre-packed.

- The instructions provided with the kit are ok, but not the best. Basically they provide individual instructions for each component (the coupler/actuator, the calipers, and the brake lines). It would be nice if they would combine this into a single guide and fill in some of the gaps. For example, they provide a diagram that shows how the various brake line sections fit together, but no suggestions on where to, for example, route the brake line from the axle to the caliper. It also would have been nice to see which pieces from the previous hub to reuse (the spindle nut, cotter pin and outside washer).

- The only item remaining is to wire the vehicle back light to the trailer harness for the back-up solenoid thing.

- With an assistant, bleeding the brakes was easy. The Tie-Down actuator has an opening where one can insert a screw driver and pump the cylinder.

- Overall, I think it was about a 3-4 hour job. When I do something for the first time, I tend to take my time. Someone has done something like this before could probably complete the job in 2 hours.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Dan

 

[Lou C]

Re: Installing disc brakes

You can also check:
www.championtrailers.com
look in the techinical articles section, they have tips on installing brake systems. I got my new axle and drum brake system from them 2 summers ago, they are still working well. One other thing for those who use drums, I used the zinc plated drums, they don't seem to rust to the brake shoes like regular cast iron ones do.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Installing disc brakes

I took the boat out today. The brakes work very well. You can really feel the difference.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Installing disc brakes

My trailer is a BoatMaster, local I think to SW Florida. They used a great method to mount the brake lines. They drill a single 1/4" hole and pass a black tywrap through it. By wrapping the tywrap around the cable, back through the hole and into the tywrap clip.

They effectively made a fastner from one hole and a Tywrap. Very clean, inexpensive and looks terriffic and no dissimmular metal corrosion from a clip with a screw.

Cheers!