Rusty brake drums

[the machinist]

I have been wondering if anyone has tried having their brake drums powder coated to stop the rusting problems of dunking the trailer in salt water.

 

[fatpratt1996]

Re: Rusty brake drums

how is powdercoating affected by heat? I've seen calipers done before but I think you have a good question there. I don't think they'll react to the salt but I think heat is the only issue but I would still think it would be fine. Let us know.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Rusty brake drums

The drums aint the problem as much as all the little springs and lines and metal backing for the pads. They go first

 

[Lou C]

Re: Rusty brake drums

Champion Trailers sells zinc plated 10" brake drums, supposed to be pretty rust resistant. I have em and have dunked in the salt a couple of times, but too soon to tell if it will last

 

[the machinist]

Re: Rusty brake drums

Powdercoating is a special spray paint that is baked on at 350 degrees. The other small parts can also be coated. It can be done in about any color,-- black, red, chrome, etc. <br /><br />I have a friend that does this, maybe I had better ask if he has done it before on boat trailer wheels. He was telling me that he got a contract to do it on much of the trim for a yacht building company. I had him do my hand rails, (cheaper than stainless). It seems to be rather durable.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Rusty brake drums

The problem with powercoating a brake drum is the edges and wheel stud holes. Powdercoating produces a plasticised hard shell but if it is not sealed water can get underneath and bingo - rust. Bronze drums are the answer but they ain't cheap.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[rwidman]

Re: Rusty brake drums

I don't think rust hurts the drums, it hurts the other parts. The inside (working part) of the drum is cleaned each time the brakes are applied. Any type of coating will soon wear off the inside surface.<br /><br />I had a bad case of rust and my brakes locked up on the road (long story). Tiedown makes a set of pre assembled backing plates, shoes, cylinder, etc. that is supposed to be "rust resistant". This is much easier than replacing individual parts and not that expensive.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Rusty brake drums

I have those Tie Down Galvax 10" drum brakes, with the zinc plated drums. They have aluminum wheel cylinders and stainless steel springs. Cost is only about $130 for the pair, plus the cost of the drums. Got it all from Champion Trailers in Louisiana. Good people to deal with, very helpful. Don't know how long they will hold up in the salt because I just put them on this summer, but so far so good.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Rusty brake drums

I been dunking trailers in salt water for over 30 years and 15 of those with trailers that had brakes. My experience is that there is not a drum brake made that will hold up for very long even with flush kits. I finally got disks and stopped buying brake parts.

 

[tommays]

Re: Rusty brake drums

my drum brakes require me to remove the aluminum piston and use brake grease on it at least once a season or its lockup <br /><br />and most of the moveing parts will stop moveing with out at least once a year remove apply brake grease reinstall at least in saltwater<br /><br />and that is with the good galvinzed set i tryed the flushing kit and it did not seam to extend the life or stop the need for greaseing<br /><br />tommays

 

[rwidman]

Re: Rusty brake drums

Originally posted by SoLittle:<br /> My experience is that there is not a drum brake made that will hold up for very long even with flush kits.

Probably so, but the rust on the drums will not harm them. It's the cylinders, pivot points, and springs that go.<br /><br />If I have to replace things again I'll probably go with disk brakes, yet I hear of problems with them also.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Rusty brake drums

I have heard that sealing the boot on the wheel cylinder helps keep the salt water out, I may try that to make em last longer. I did hear of numerous troubles with the first generation of Tie Down discs but they are improved now and they are also selling a vented disc version for 3500 lb axles. They are used on new Load Rites and Ventures.