Had to try. Tie down brakes

[clinton152]

Yesterday I asked about Tie Down brakes and found out they are junk in a hurry. Well, I had to try. Attached is a piture of what was found under the dried up boot. After some clean up and PB I was able to get them to compress a little, but wouldnt come up or out at all. There is a small area around the piston that will actullay pond fluid. My plan is to soak overnight and try again after work tomorrow. Any thoughts other than the trash can?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

That caliper is junk. Brakes are nothing to skimp on. With that much corrosion, the seals will never hold and when you need the brakes the most you won't have any.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

trash can, i encouraged you, but seeing them, give up.

 

[Flying Brian]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

I agree i have worked for Metal Craft trailers for many years an that is about the worst i have seen it just takes one of those sills to give way and then you will have lost all your Perisher. One set of calipers and brakes 150$ getting there and back safely priceless.

 

[clinton152]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes Update!

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes Update!

Good evening. Having too much time on my hands this week, and the motor is still not done,it seemed only right that I try to do something. It took two days of soaking with PB(love that stuff) and I was able to get the pistons out. The inner seal was still good and after removing some varnish? from the boot it was supple. It took some time with a Dremmel tool, and a brass brush on the grinder, but everything cleaned up well. The pistons now slide freely and seems to work smoothly. I did find out that my Tie downs are S.S so I guess that should help. Time investment 2 hrs over 3 days. Time will tell and only three more to go.

 

[salty87]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

wow...want to clean mine up?...freshwater...haha

 

[dingbat]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

Been there, done that....twice, never again.

Got tired of messing with them and are now riding a Kodiak disc.

BTW: make sure to replace the bleed fittings while your at it. They will be the next to go.

 

[clinton152]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

You are correct the bleeders were plugged and not working. I was able to clean them out with compressed air and a piece of wire. I am courious...How long did your repair last? Thank you. Mike

 

[dingbat]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

You are correct the bleeders were plugged and not working. I was able to clean them out with compressed air and a piece of wire. I am courious...How long did your repair last? Thank you. Mike

The first time 16 months and the second time maybe 9 months. Went through 2 pairs of brakes pads in that time as well.

 

[clinton152]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

I have to admit it was a pain. but all 4 calipers have been rebuilt put back on and the brakes have been bled. The test drive went well and it cost me nothing, at this point thats important. I expect the salt will eat these up in no time but maybe by then I will have a different trailer. If you had to recomend a brake system for my next trailer what would it be. electric?surge disc?surge drum. I have had them all, and think that with salt, there its just a no win situation. thank you

 

[dingbat]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

You couldn't pay me to install drums. My first boat had drums and they would be nothing but rust in a season.

I like the electric brakes on our horse trailer. I just don't like repalcing the break away battery ever 18 months or so.

If I where to buy a new trailer tomorrow it would order it with surge disc brakes, Kodiaks to be exact.

Keep your eyes open. You can find the Kodiaks from time to time for $250 a set

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Had to try. Tie down brakes

You couldn't pay me to install drums. My first boat had drums and they would be nothing but rust in a season. ....

Drum brakes on a saltwater boat trailer are just trouble. Too many places for salt to get into and rust.

...
I like the electric brakes on our horse trailer. I just don't like repalcing the break away battery ever 18 months or so. ....

I've had breakaway systems on several larger trailers and have always gotten several years or more out of those batteries? They are the same style battery thats in an alarm system or one of those jump start packs. Sealed lead acid.
The key may be to keep them charged, don't let them run dead or go dead and freeze.