upgrading drum brakes to disk on a
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Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25205
Printed Date: November-19-2024 at 7:39am
Topic: upgrading drum brakes to disk on a
Posted By: slmskrs
Subject: upgrading drum brakes to disk on a
Date Posted: March-13-2012 at 9:34pm
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Has anyone upgraded their drum brakes to disc brakes (preferribly on a DHM trailer)? Is it pretty much a straight swap and bolt on? I'm tired of manually adjusting the drum brakes (they seem to be effective for about 6-8 trips (round trip 18 miles, no hills) to the pond before they need to be adjusted again. One of my grease seals is leaking and one drum is covered in grease so I need to pull it anyway so would just as soon upgrade to disc (two axle trailer but brakes on the forward axle only). Also, any suggestions/instructions on how to replace trailer axle grease seals? I've always used bearing buddies, so never have had to go in to do anything. Thanks, ------------- Gordon '97 Ski Nautique, GT40 |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: March-13-2012 at 9:51pm
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Gordon, No natter what trailer I'm pulling there always seems to be a "leak"!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: March-14-2012 at 12:33am
You mean a leak like this BAD!!!  GOOD  You definitely want to get it fixed. A leaky seal can cause a fire in the drum, which can spread to the tire. There's two ways to remove the seal 1 pull the drum and from the back pry the seal out 2) after pulling the drum take a brass punch or a wood dowel and knock the rear bearing and seal out from the inside. I thought about the disc system but that's a big chunk of change for something you already have. If your brakes need adjusted after short tows like that I think there's something else wrong, air in the line maybe?? |
Posted By: slmskrs
Date Posted: March-14-2012 at 2:20am
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My drum brakes have not worked well in years. I had one that would lock up while the other didn't do anything (on the other hand, one wheel locking up an screeching made people get out of the way even though only one of four trailer tires were locked) :-) I can always tell when there is air in the line; the piston hits the stop. I have a detachable tongue but seemed to always get a little air in the lines with the quick disconnect. So I purchased an exension hose so I can remove the tongue without disconnecting the hose. I've also replaced the master cylinder (surge side) a number of years ago and always use DOT 5. But they've never been good. On the other hand, I just towed a friends' '95 MC and his brakes were wonderful (don't remember if he has disk or drum, but mine have never worked that good, even when brand new). As for the pix, the other problem with drum brakes is trying to clean the mess if the seal goes. At least with disk, you pull the pads off and use brake cleaner. No crevices, springs, etc. for the grease to lodge in to. Someone in our ski club changed to disk last year (he had a fairly new drum sieze up and almost catch fire). I need to first pull the drum, pull and replace the grease seals. Where do you get them? (I don't want to have to ask the manufacturer of the trailer if it is something standard I can get locally. ------------- Gordon '97 Ski Nautique, GT40 |
Posted By: slmskrs
Date Posted: March-14-2012 at 2:31am
Let me rephrase that. One would lock up quickly while the other one worked so-so. I don't remember if it was the new one I replaced that locked up quickly, or the original one. Anyway, they would never work well for long; I had to jack it up and screw around with the star nut to try to adjust them. I just don't want to do that anymore. ------------- Gordon '97 Ski Nautique, GT40 |
slmskrs wrote:Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: March-14-2012 at 10:50am
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A bearing buddy can allow overgreasing. Be careful how much you add. You might want to consider replacing the entire brake assembly, they are cheaper than buying all the parts individually. Something is wrong with your adjuster star wheel if you have to adjust it every other trip. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |