Replacement Disc Brake Kit and Hubs for Dexter 3,500 lb Axles

Updated 04/12/2013 | Published 04/10/2013

Question:

I am presently working on a 1979 Airstream Ambassador 28foot I have replaced the original two axles with new 3500 lb ?? Dexter axles. The trailer has a Dexter E/H system in place and I want to keep it so. I want to replace the old hydraulic disc brakes Excella Vac?? calipers with new compatible ones - at a reasonable cost. Do I need to buy the entire assembly - calipers, discs, caliper arms, rotor, bearings etc. together to get the correct fit up? Or, will an existing rotor with no obvisious wear work fine with new caliper assemblies, i.e. are they interchangeable? Are all Dexter axle dimensions for bearings the same, or will I need to send measurements?

asked by: John P

Helpful Expert Reply:

If the rotors are in excellent condition, are the slip on style that slip over the mounting studs it could work. But you will need to make sure they are the exact same dimensions as the ones designed to work with the kit you are interested in.

But honestly, anytime you change brake pads you are supposed to either replace the rotors or have them machined. And at the price of just getting new ones in Dacromet or Silver Cadmium (which are both reasonably priced and offer good corrosion resistance) I think you would be better served to just replace your rotors as well.

In order to pick out the correct hubs I will need you to send me the bearing numbers just to be sure. You should have the # 84 spindle with the bearing combination of L44649/L68149, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Which if that is the case the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit # K2R35DS would work for you as long as you had idler hubs with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern.

For idler hubs you would want Kodiak Hub # KHUBS84E.

expert reply by: Jameson C