Can Disc Brakes Be Added To A Lippert 4,400 lb Axle?

Updated 08/29/2024 | Published 08/27/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(230)

$1225.48

Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 18'

(154)

$158.42

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(118)

$213.72

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(230)

$872.08

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs

(90)

$521.79

Question:

I have a lippert 4400 pound axle that I would like to convert to disk brakes. I currently have drum brakes. The hub uses a 6 on 5- 1/2 bolt pattern for the wheel. The mounting flange for the hub/brakes is a 4 bolt pattern. As I understand it, the 4400 axle uses the 3500 pound bearings, seals and races. All of the 3500 pound disk brake kits use a 4 bolt flange pattern, but use a 5 on 4- 1/2 wheel stud pattern. Looking at the 5200 pound disk brake kits, they use a 5 bolt flange bolt pattern with a 5 on 5- 1/2 wheel stud pattern. Will any of these kits work? Or would I need to get a new 5200 pound axle for the conversion?

asked by: Josh E

Expert Reply:

Hello Josh. It is possible to convert your Lippert 4,400 lb axles over to disc brakes. The 4,400 lb axles generally use the same braking system as a 3,500 lb axle. These assemblies use bearing # L68149 and # L44649 so you will want to confirm the fit with your spindle. Assuming this is all correct, there are hubs that can be used on your trailer, but they are going to have the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern. There is nothing in a 6 lug so if you convert you will need new wheels and tires too.

So, you can use a brake kit like the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit # K2HR35D which has 5 on 4-1/2" hubs. You will need a brake line kit like the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit # 18SI-BLKIT which comes with an 18' main line. You will also need a hydraulic brake actuator which can be either a surge brake actuator like Demco # DM62VR, or an electric-over-hydraulic actuator like the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes # HBA16 depending on your application.

If you want to go the EOH approach, we do have the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit for Disc Brakes # HBA16-252-82 which is a complete conversion kit. You get everything but the disc brake kits.

We wrote up an article that goes over the process of adding disc brakes to a trailer in detail, and you will find a link to the article below. This will be a great starting point for this project. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions for me.