Stuck disc brakes - The Hull Truth

nlkent · 09-08-2009, 05:11 PM

I've got tie down disc brakes on one axle. Trailer has been sitting all winter and this whole summer. Finally got around to moving it. Brakes are dragging too much and heating up. I looked at the manual and parts diagram and tried taking out the stainless bolts (#8) that hold the calipers together but couldn't get them to budge. I did get the rotor to turn by hand though. Still, I would like to get everything apart and see if I just need new pads and a thorough cleaning. Am I trying to take the brakes apart correctly? If I can't get the 4 stainless bolts and separate the calipers out then should I just take the thing to a shop and have them go at it? Thanks, Nick. I've attached the parts diagram I am using.

rwidman · 09-08-2009, 06:10 PM

You got the calipers off the mounting brackets OK and now you are trying to take the calipers apart?

The pins (part #3) should be lubricated with disc brake grease and you should use thread locking compound whebn you reinstall them.

The pads can be replaced without taking the calipers apart if I remember correctly. They clip in.

When I installed mine originally, I found I had to put washers between the mounting brackets and the brake flange on the axle to get rid of most of the drag. One washer for each bolt. I don't recall having a spacer (#2b)in the kit so it's possible they have modified the kit to take care of this.

nlkent · 09-08-2009, 06:24 PM

Can't get the calipers off the mounting brackets. I'm assuming that I remove the buts of the 4 stainless bolts and the bolts slide out. Then I could take the outer caliper off and at least see the inner caliper and brake pad. I loosened the stainless bolts and can't get them to move at all. Should I try penetrating fluid or just throw in the towel and take it to a shop?

DogTired · 09-08-2009, 06:45 PM

Don't take the caliper apart first!

Take the bolts out that mount the plate (2a, 2b or 2C) to the axle flange. The studs (item 3) then may or maynot slide out of the whole caliper assembly. If they are frozen in that's your problem. Get the studs out somehow.

Once you get the studs out the whole caliper will lift off of the disk as a unit and you can then remove the pads for further inspection.

The caliper assembly is just that, an assembly held together with the four bolts. Not much you can service inside the unit anyway without a lot of trouble.

Hope I understood you issue properly.

rwidman · 09-08-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogTired

Don't take the caliper apart first!

Take the bolts out that mount the plate (2a, 2b or 2C) to the axle flange. The studs (item 3) then may or maynot slide out of the whole caliper assembly. If they are frozen in that's your problem. Get the studs out somehow.

That will work.

If you can't fix it without damaging something, a repair shop is your best bet. They should know how to do it the right way.

BTW: Do you have the installation instructions? Reverse the instructions to remove the brakes. You can get the instructions from the Tie Down website,

nlkent · 09-11-2009, 04:47 AM

got everything off. Had to remove the mounting plate and then pound the stainless bolts out to separate the calipers. Gonna just get new calipers and pads. Have to be very good with the maintenance from now on. These tie down systems do suck. I can see how the calipers jam on the guide pins. Useless.

BW23 · 09-11-2009, 06:47 PM

Since your into it this far, upgrade to KODIAK's !

nlkent · 09-12-2009, 06:17 PM

Just ordered new calipers and pads. Sticking with tie down for now. Really trying to sell the boat. So this will be fine. If I don't sell it, I will maintain the tie downs better. The brakes only had 150 miles tops on them. Probably not even. That may have been part of the problem. Not used enough. I will keep them lubed and flushed and see how we do. By the way best price I could come up with was eastern marine for around $175 shipped. Local shop who put the brakes on the the trailer wanted $250 for the parts. anyone know of a cheaper source than eastern marine?

rwidman · 09-14-2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlkent

Just ordered new calipers and pads. Sticking with tie down for now. Really trying to sell the boat. So this will be fine. If I don't sell it, I will maintain the tie downs better. The brakes only had 150 miles tops on them. Probably not even. That may have been part of the problem. Not used enough. I will keep them lubed and flushed and see how we do. By the way best price I could come up with was eastern marine for around $175 shipped. Local shop who put the brakes on the the trailer wanted $250 for the parts. anyone know of a cheaper source than eastern marine?

Eastern Marine is a very good source for trailer parts and competetive in price. Fast, efficient service and shipping. I never found a better source.

I no longer have a trailer.