Adding Disc Brakes to Tandem Axle Trailer

Updated 04/17/2018 | Published 04/14/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Hub/Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Dacromet - 5,200 lbs to 6,000 lbs

(49)

$535.33

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Stainless Steel - 5,200 lbs to 6,000 lbs

(93)

$1464.19

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2105)

$21.28

Question:

I have a car trailer built in 1992 with 7000# GVW. The axle Hays 3500 LBS, 6 on 5.5 15” wheels. From the rear of the backing plate to frame is about 1.25 inches. The inner spindle measures 1.367 the seal has a numbers TB 1.719 2.561 0.500 PO 6887 TCS 4 The outer bearing number L 44649 4 on 2 7/8 inch brake mount on the axle. The frame for actuator is 3x3. I would like to convert to disk brakes if they will fit. The front axle just has hubs. Can you tell me the best combination of parts or kit that will work with what I have. I will also need a new actuator with a reverse lock out. Thanks

asked by: Steven P

Expert Reply:

We can help you with the project of adding hydraulic disc brakes to your 7K-rated tandem axle trailer. In fact we have a complete help article on the subject that I have linked for you. This includes links to products including disc kits, actuators and brake lines. So long as your existing brake lines are okay you should not need to replace them just to make the changeover to discs.

If you are going to run the discs only on the one axle that has brake flanges you will want to match the actuator capacity to the brakes - a 3500-lb rating.

Disc kits come in two varieties, rotor-only and hub-and-rotor. Rotor-only kits are added to existing idler hubs; hub-and-rotor kits replace your hubs and must use the same inner and outer bearings as your current ones in order to fit your spindles. Please note that bearing # L44649 is typically found on a 2K-rated axle as noted in the linked article on bearings.

Disc kits also come in various materials/finishes that affect their pricing. Stainless kits like # K2R526S will hold up best but cost more than dacromet-plated kits like # K2HR526D.

expert reply by: Adam R