Performance trailer with Kodiak brakes HELP - The Hull Truth

rarebreed · 03-31-2009, 11:02 AM

I have a 2004 Performance trailer with Kodiak 250 disk brakes. Last year I had to put new padd on the brakes and they worked OK, but the calipers were rusted pretty bad. So obvoiusly they are not stainless. I now have the problem that one brake will not release and one will not grab. Anyway I guess I am going to have to get new calipers and while I am at it get new disks. BTW these are surge brakes not elec over hydraulic.
Does anyone have any recommendations to fix the calipers? Or should I just get new ones? I looked on Kodiac's website and the SS disks are a hell of a lot of money and the silver cadmiums are $90+ a piece. What do ya'll think the best course of action would be and where is the best price on calipers and disks?

Thanks,
Maclin

VetteLT193 · 03-31-2009, 01:53 PM

Most people I know run the silver cad., they do fine in salt. While you are in there you might want to plumb in the flush kit so you don't have to do this again next year

As far as the calipers it depends on what is wrong. I think there is a basic rebuild kit you can get that comes with new cylinder sleeves (which is usually the part at fault).

rarebreed · 03-31-2009, 02:18 PM

I hear you on the flush kit, but Honestly I rinse them off very well every time. I sit there with a hose and spray the hell out of them. The flush would make it easier, but only necessary if I had drums to get on the inside. If I could rebuild the calipers that would be great, but it almost seems like it might just be better to get new ones and shoot for another 5 years.
Thanks,
Maclin

Its All Good · 03-31-2009, 03:36 PM

Not sure what the Kodiak 250s are. I just ordered a complete set of integrated rotor/hubs and calipers for my Magic Tilt Trailer. The Kodiaks should be interchangable. I picked them up at The Trailer Parts Depot. A set for four wheels that included all hardware, bearings and oil bath hubs for $475 including shipping. That's less than $125 per wheel. Best price I found anywhere. Take a look here. I bought the D210EK for my five lug set up.

Bigger Hammer · 03-31-2009, 07:49 PM

Before you give up on your existing calipers check to make sure that the fasteners and sliders on both calipers are clean and lubricated. If they are not they could be hanging up, which could cause both problems.
Bill

Andrew134 · 03-31-2009, 08:09 PM

I just went through doing my brakes over. My solution was the discs, calipers and hubs for $165 each at west marine. My lines were in good shape. The job cost me less than $350 and took about 1 1/2 hours. Easy job.
Good luck!

fish_on · 04-01-2009, 06:06 AM

I would suggest the following:

1. Remove the Calipers and inspect them by removing the pads and checking for signs of fluid leaking past the seals. More than likely you will find the backing plates for the pads are rusted out unless you have the bright red pads. If the pads are rusting replace them with the Kodiak red pads.

2. Tap the guide bolt sleeves out of the rubber bushings. Lubricate the outside of the inside of the bushings and outsides of the sleeves with Permatex synthetic caliper lube (don't use anything with petroleum). Reassemble and make sure the caliper "slides" back and forth on the lubricated sleeves.

3. Reassemble and bleed throroughly. The SC calipers, rotors and mounting brackets will develop some rust but you should easily get 3+ years from them with proper maintenance.

rarebreed · 04-01-2009, 08:51 AM

Thanks to all for the input. I spoke with the service tech at Kodiak yesterday afternoon and decided that I am going to get new calipers and have the disks turned. He gave me the minimum acceptable thicknedd of the disks and I am going to take them to trax and have them measured and turned if possible. The new calipers are $85 and change and I figure this is the best option. I got 5 years out of my old ones and figure $170 for 5 more years is worth the ease of just replacing instead of trying to rebuild. Also it greatly outweighs replacing with stainless, since I can replace every 4 to 5 years at a fraction of the cost. However my next trailer will definitely be equipped with all stainless.
Thanks again,
maclin