What is the Difference Between the Hydrastar EOH Brake Actuators With Different Pressures

Question:

I would like to install an Electric over Hydraulic brake actuator on my triple axle hydraulic drum brake trailer. I see there are three different model Hydrastar units. One with 1000 psi, one 1200 psi and one with 1600. Will the one with 1600 psi work? I will probably upgrade to disk brakes next year and do not what to have to purchase another unit when I upgrade. Thanks

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

The difference between all of these different actuators in the amount of pressure that it sends to the brakes, since different braking setups require different pressures to engage them. Since disc brakes require 1600-psi of pressure to activate the calipers and drum brakes only require 1000psi, using an actuator that is designed for use with disc brakes could potentially blow out the wheel cylinders of a drum brake assembly. For this reason, you won't be able to use an actuator for disc brakes like the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator # HBA16 on your current hydraulic drum brakes setup.

Instead, you would need to use the # HBA-10 for your current setup and then get a new actuator when you switch to disc brakes. I can understand not wanting to upgrade your current actuator only to have to do it again if you switch to disc brakes, so if you can tell me what the capacity of the axles, bolt pattern on the hubs and bearings that are found on your current hubs, I can help you locate the appropriate disc brake kit and actuator for your trailer.

expert reply by: Erik B