Would Using Drum Actuator with Disc Brakes Cause Brakes to Lock Up

Updated 09/12/2018 | Published 09/11/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(341)

$152.76

Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Disc - 2-5/16" Ball - Bolt On - 12,500 lbs

(27)

$631.00

Question:

I bought all new disc brakes, hubs, calipers, lines and actuator from etrailer 2 years ago. The boat didnt get used much after the install, but pulled fine a few times. Recently it sat at a boat shop for about 6 weeks. They used a small tractor to move it around 28foot Larson, big heavy boat. When I pulled about 20 miles home, it didnt feel right but I couldnt figure out what the problem was, It just felt very heavy. When I got near home I could see smoke in the rear view mirrors. Got home and multiple hubs were very hot. I looked through my records and it looks like I have drum actuator with disc brakes. Doesnt seem like that would cause my problem. Any ideas? The shop said they didnt mess with the actuator. Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - 2-5/16inch Ball - Bolt On - 12,500 lbs part# T2477600

asked by: Don C

Expert Reply:

If you are using a drum brake actuator on a trailer with disc brakes what you'll normally experience is weak brake action. If your brakes are locking up and making the hubs hot it should not be because of that.

Most likely they ended up damaging the two moving pieces and the actuator is stuck applying pressure on the brake assemblies. Since you are using the wrong actuator it would be a great idea to replace it anyway with the disc brake version # T4750800.

expert reply by: Jameson C