Trailer brakes and bearings....

B

bgreene

Banned
Started my project # 1 this weekend - checking / re packing bearings and trailer brakes.
First wheel off and this is what I've found:

1. bearings fine - the grease gun change I had done through zerk fitting about 1 mo ago completely replaced the previous ( different color) grease, and permeated all areas completely.

2. disk brake pads & rotors - worn down somewhat unevenly, with small ridges and valley's evident on the pads. Rotors featured matching very small ridges and valleys, meaning I'd like to get them smoothed/ cut. Tie down parts show option for either " organic" ...........or " ceramic" pads that feature life time warranty.

Trailer is just 2-3 years old, but I trailer 120 miles each round trip, and mostly saltwater use, so it gets run....

I'm showing the trailer company the pads and rotor for their input.
Doing the work myself feels gratifying ......so far.
 
I know that there will be "purists" that will disagree with me on this.. so be it. But frankly with the small ridges and groves (as long as they are not excessive and as long as the pads aren't worn down to where the metal pad back isn't coming in contact with the metal rotor.) I'd just leave them alone. First off, why spend the money? Second off, you'll get better braking from them than with smooth pads and rotors because you now have more surface area than with a smooth set. The greater the surface area, the more friction. The more friction, the more braking. You have to think 3 dimensional on this one. Each one of those ridges and groves equals more overall surface area. If you feel better about replacing them, by all means do so. But if it were me I'd leave them alone.
 
I agree with Destroyer on this one, unless there is excessive wear leave them alone. Good work on getting your hands dirty. It is gratifying, if not frustrating at times. Labor of love thing, thanks for sharing too..good info. Merry Christmas!
 
Brakes on a boat are made to mess up!! Then yank them off and never worry again!! Thats what I have always done.
 
gotta agree with mj, brakes on a boat are a waste.
having them on a trailer is a better idea...

i've never had them and never missed them until i got into a sudden stop situation on I-75 coming back from the keys. after that i always said if i ever trailer any distance, i'd have them. my commute is about 3 miles to the ramp, so i don't have them, but if i ever go on another long run, i'll have at least one axel done.

as far as rough vs smooth, i'd think smooth is better, but if they work and don't make noise, i'd leave em alone
 
Third vote for forget about it. Trailer brakes on a boat trailer are just a scam for marina's to take your money.

Mind you I have them on my car hauler, and love them, but I don't dunk my car hauler in the ocean.
 
Just reread phat's post,

But wouldn't you love to have brakes on a boat? I know there are a few times I'd have been pretty happy to have them.

Maybe we all need to have variable pitch props like modern warships, reverse the pitch & Voila! brakes.
 
mawshj

here is a thought, IF you are ever in an accident can you hear the opposing lawyer discussing your brakes being removed ? sad but true
 
mawshj said:
here is a thought, IF you are ever in an accident can you hear the opposing lawyer discussing your brakes being removed ? sad but true
Click to expand...

This is a very big issue! Consider 90% of the boat trailers in this are that came with brakes have had them removed. I personally will not remove brakes from a trailer for a customer. One local trailer shop will not install brakes on a trailer under 6000 lb capacity, another shop will not workon brakes unless the customer signs a paper stating no warranty or responsibility for when they fail. Its catch 22
 
i have heard of check points in the keys where the state troopers,fdot,fwc are stopping vehicles to do safety inspections. those that fail are not allowed to leave until corrected. i think a v on a tandem axle would be required to have brakes on both axles.
never saw this firsthand, but read it on the internet, so it's gotta be true.
 
Seems the law up here in NJ requires brakes on each axle, meaning all 4 wheels....

SealLion rep inspected my disks and claims no issue, fine with the minor surface differentials as long as not 1/8" deep or more. Not even 1/16" so guess fine.

Going to post some before and after pics. Minor rust on the non stainless bracket, removed, sanded, going to paint with the rust resistant paint.
 
my V tows soooo much nicer since i put it on the dual axtle trailer. do you tow to cape may? im trying to figure out 120 miles from cherry hill lol
 
I really don't understand the problem with having brakes on a trailer. They're not that much trouble, and they are required in a lot of states, mine included. I mean, as long as you give them proper maintenance they last a hell of a long time. I think it's over 4 years on my present set, and they still work fine. Come home, jack up axle, remove spindle nut and slide off tire and drum. Pressure wash inside of brake drum and brake assembly, Blow dry with compressed air, quick shot of WD40, replace tire, do other side. Viola.. less than one hour for all 4 wheels. What's the problem? It's just like any other mechanical item... you have to do the maintenance. You wash the boat, so why not the trailer and the brakes?
 
Drum brakes on a boat trailer in salt last about 1 season. To anyone thinking about it - I wound't even consider anything but stainless steel disk brakes. I don't feel the need for them but if my boat was any bigger I'd consider it a necessity. Law does not require it here either.
 
Destroyer - you are the man for giving your drums the love....I give you that brother. I didn't even top the fluid in mine. lol
:part:
 
LOl at destroyer, that's an hour you could be fishin' man!
I hear y'all about the safety factor, although I've towed mine all the hell over with no worries.
My solution is I tow with a land cruiser, all time 4wd, 4 wheel disks on 32 inch tires, and it weighs a cool 3 tons. You know the boats back there, but it obeys the truck.
 
1st wheel work progress.....
Removed disk brakes, disassembled bearings and disk from spindle, sanded cast iron section, then sprayed with Eastwood Textured Rust Encapsulator paint. After couple of days dry time, top coated with Rust-Oleum metallic in grey.

Once the new brake pads and rear bearing units arrive, I'll re install, check, and move on to next wheel. Will post pics.....eventually.
 
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