Replacing Trailer Hydraulic Brakes
I'm about to embark on replacing my trailer brakes as they are sticking on after use, which is obviously not good. Everything looks pretty much past its use by date.
I have a Carlisle system with rubber hoses throughout and a duel axle trailer. The fittings are is bad shape, so thinking its a total replacement job.
I'm hoping someone who has done this can point me in the right direction.
In order to buy the right parts, I was thinking of removing all the brake lines and fittings back to the Carlisle unit, and one of the callipers. I'm assuming I go to a hose specialist (like Hose Mart) and order the replacement hoses and fittings to the correct length?
I was just going to go to Martins Trailer Parts for the callipers, shoes, and all the T pieces and other hardware I need.
Since my current hardware is really corroded, can you buy stainless fittings/callipers? Is it worth it?
I'll redo the bearings whilst I'm at it, but I've done that before so OK with that.
Any advice/tips from someone who has done this would be appreciated.
Cheers
Terry
Marineboy
Posts: 840
Date Joined: 14/03/14
Hydraulic brakes
terry do you have brakes on both axles or just one of them, if just on one axle have you thought about changing to mechanical/cable operated, probably more serviceable and durable in the salt water long term and probably cheaper.
Cheers
mark
My spots are so secret even the fish don't know about them !
Belly Fish
Posts: 499
Date Joined: 09/03/12
Both
Boat is just shy of 3.5T so I need breakaway
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
What are the actual brakes?
What are the actual brakes? Kodiak, Alko etc?
If Kodiak, check and you'll probably find Deemaxx is interchangeable and much cheaper, even take the same pads (old Buick, Dmax $33, Kod $70 odd)
I have SS Kodiak discs and calipers and they have been on for 4 years no probs from them but I bought the whole lot used-Dexter EOH SS discs SS calipers hoses etc $1200
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
Belly Fish
Posts: 499
Date Joined: 09/03/12
Don't know...
That's why I want to get one of them off. I've looked from underneath, but there is nothing obvious written on them other than "3.6 lb axle" which I assume to mean 3600lb rating??? and some bleed instruction. I can't see a brand name anywhere
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
You'll probably find its
You'll probably find its actually 3500lb which is US standard and will have 5 stud Ford pattern also.
Take them in to Martins, especially if you can get to the Belmont one as Brett Martin knows them inside out.
Plenty of others in there also pretty good but he has dealt with Deemaxx alot
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
Crikey
Posts: 41
Date Joined: 25/03/10
I have the alko ss callipers
I have the alko ss callipers from martins and havent had a problem since putting them on. So around 4 years. Had all sorts of problems beforehand. I also got the ss braided line kits off ebay which have also been great.
Belly Fish
Posts: 499
Date Joined: 09/03/12
This one?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TANDEM-HYDRAULIC-BRAKE-STAINLESS-STEEL-BRAIDED-LINE-KIT-BOAT-CARAVAN-TRAILER/171331433007?hash=item27e426322f:g:SxkAAOxyItRTdZVI
Prego
Posts: 135
Date Joined: 03/06/09
depends on the mounting holes for the calipers I think
Not sure if you can just bolt on any caliper - please correct me if I'm wrong. Martins have all the bits including the copper brake lines. You just measure up the lengths and they'll make them to suit then go to the trailer and screw them all together. I've got standard holden commodore calipers and Hyrdastar breakaway unit (from Martins). Done all mine myself when I purchased trailer with brakes in non-working order. PM me if you wish. I'm SoR.
Crikey
Posts: 41
Date Joined: 25/03/10
Yep thats the ones. You have
Yep thats the ones. You have to tighten the connections super tight to get them to seal properly. The flexible lines are great when changing brake pads as the copper twists and kinks unless you are super carefull.
holth
Posts: 812
Date Joined: 09/10/06
Go see Paul at Fremantle
Go see Paul at Fremantle trailers. He sells SS flexiable brake line kits with all fittings. He can also advise you om your trailer brakes.
Colt_Striker
Posts: 624
Date Joined: 26/07/09
I 2nd that.
I 2nd that.
JohnF
Posts: 2836
Date Joined: 07/07/10
Copper brake lines....give me
Copper brake lines....give me a break! Bloody Martins are in the dark ages on that stuff, thats what they offered me when I went in there. Get flexi braided lines. I had an urgent requirement when I did mine and got absolutely stung by Pirtek......they must have seen me coming from a mile away, although thye did a nice job and heaps better than the cobbled together copper pipe option Martins suggested........get a flexi stainless braided kit off one of the trailer mobs, prices seem quite reasonable.
I went stainless calipers, but mild steel discs (cheap to replace). Worth the extra I think, alhough the US make ali calipers I took off were not too bad, just not suited to the upgraded suspension put on.
Boston Whaler 235 Conquest......getting the flogging it was built for.