Surge Brake Disk Calipers

[rjlipscomb]

I know the answer but hoping otherwise:

I have an EZ Loader dual axle trailer with surge disk brakes. I raised the the axle and spun the wheels this morning. The wheel spins as long as you apply the force. When I quit spinning the wheel, it'll turn about 1/4 turn before stopping. The pads are good, but the calipers rusted. I cleaned and lubed everything from the outside but still doesn't spin freely (for disk brakes). Any suggestions?

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

Do the brakes work? Rust is not necessarly a deal breaker. Disc brakes will often slightly drag as there is no spring to retract them completely.

1/4 turn sounds a little tight to me. Have you pulled the trailer?

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

Yes, brakes work and yes, I pulled the boat to Lake Mead last week. My Suburban felt like is was working harder than it should have.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

Did you feel the hubs along the way? How far was the lake?

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

how are the bearings? maybe its not a brake issue, but a hub issue.

 

[bustermin]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

it is not uncommon for disc brake calipers to stick. it a car it would cause the vechicle to pull to one side or the other. you say you lubricated the slides so i would rebuild or buy new calipers. also a bad brake hose can cause the same effect.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

The hubs and bearings are fine. The wheel spins freely when the caliper was removed. I need to replace the calipers. The question now is:

Do I replace with the OEM or go with an upgrade like stainless steel?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

What brand are your brakes?

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

One word..... Kodiak! You'll never replace them again.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

What brand are your brakes?

Honestly don't know. They are stock with the 2005 EZ Loader trailer. Tomorrow I'm going back to the lake and will see if the Suburban works a little easier or not. Replacing the calipers are now on my to do list. I don't want to replace the hubs/rotors.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

you can call trailer tech in vegas, they sell all kinds of axle stuff. thats where i get all my bearings, races, etc. they seem to carry everything in stock.

 

[bustermin]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

have you had the trailer since new? how long did these last? that should tell you if oem replacements will work for you.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

I have had the new (2005) boat and trailer for 4 years. The boat was in dry storage at a marina in Jupiter FL for the 1st 2 years (trailer in the marina storage yard), Moved 2500 miles to Vegas my only problem was with the tires. The trailer and boat have sat in storage since. Went to the lake last week and going back tomorrow (Tuesday).

My latest problem is the right rear light (LED) is (was) filled with water. Drilled holes and drained, sealed with silicone. Need a new one, not all of the bulbs light-up. The OEM is Innovative Lighting. West Marine carries a IL under the name of Grote. The studs are in the wrong location. They appear to be adjustable, but don't see how they come out.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

Looks liek the brand of brakes may be Reliable. You may want to call EZ Loader to be sure.

http://estore.ezloader.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=204&1=240&2=-1&6=2

 

[burp]

Re: Surge Brake Disk Calipers

Looks liek the brand of brakes may be Reliable. You may want to call EZ Loader to be sure.

http://estore.ezloader.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=204&1=240&2=-1&6=2

Reliable brand calipers did have problems several years ago (2003-2004) with their calipers hanging/dragging. If it is a brake pad dragging, the caliper/rotor/wheel will be radiating heat after a short tow. Reliable calipers have the letter "R" on the caliper.

I had 2 of the calipers to start dragging (one started dragging, replaced it and then the other caliper started dragging). The brakes will work fine when needed but the pucks in the calipers will not fully retract/release when the brakes are not engaged. The heat generated can be felt from several feet away when you walk past the wheel (after a 10 mile or so tow).