Preventative Maintenance for Disc Brake Calipers in Salt Water to Prevent Piston From Sticking

Updated 03/10/2022 | Published 03/05/2022

Question:

Hi, I have these on a saltwater boat trailer. I rinse religiously but over time the calipers end up sticking. What would you recommend using as preventive maintenance, on the piston, as a lubricant or corrosion inhibitor? Would like to use something, especially in the winter when its not getting used much, thanks.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

The best maintenance you can do is to keep them rinsed like you are doing. Unfortunately there is nothing else that can be done to prevent them from sticking when it comes to salt water since they are carbon steel and a magnet for corrosion. According to Kodiak, the best thing you can do to prevent them from sticking is to get the stainless steel calipers like the Kodiak Disc Brake Caliper - Stainless Steel - 3,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs # KDBC225S.

expert reply by: Robin H