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Can Kodiak Disc Brake Kit # KOD53FR be Converted to Oil Bath  

Updated 08/19/2026 | Published 08/16/2026

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Question:

I had KOD53FR E-Z lube disc brakes installed. Is it possible to switch just the bearings to oil bath or would the whole hub need to be replaced? Thanks,

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Expert Reply:

Hey Jascha, yes you can easily change the Kodiak disc brake kit part # KOD53FR to being an oil bath setup by just swapping out the seal to the part # 9103309. What's really interesting about the part # KOD53FR is that it actually has oil bath type caps on it already so it was basically halfway setup for oil bath already. What do you have this installed on?

expert reply by:
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Jameson C
Jascha L. profile picture

Jascha L.

8/16/2026

Thanks for this information, I was experiencing some serious buyer’s remorse about selecting the E-Z Lube option. I’m glad I can convert them. I had them installed on an Arctic Fox 29-5K. The shop routed the brake line in such a way that it rubbed against a tire, wore a hole and I lost my brakes. I’m having Camping World install hard lines (and route them better). By the way, I had to install a Hydrastar HBA-CAM module in order for my 2024 F350 to properly recognize my trailer after these were installed. Before that, it would report that the trailer was disconnected when the trailer brake controller was actuated. The brakes and lights etc. worked, but it was disconcerting.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

8/17/2026

@JaschaL Does your Ford brake controller have a hydraulic mode it could be switched to? Usually the newer trucks have that which then doesn't require the use of the HBA-CAM
Jascha profile picture

Jascha

8/17/2026

@JamesonC Yep, switching to Electric-over-hydraulic didn’t help. Neither did any other settings. Everyone I spoke with (except Ford) told me it’s the new trucks that have the most problems. Their computerized systems are much too sensitive. I took it to two dealers, and the truck checked out fine and they blamed the trailer. The dealers have trailer simulators, but they don’t simulate electric-over-hydraulic brakes, so it was a waste of time. And they didn’t want to touch the trailer. The Support tech at Hydrastar gave me some tips for trying to get the truck to recognize it (various ways of playing with the trailer brake controller and truck brake) but that didn’t seem reliable so I just went with the module. It’s been working like a charm ever since. By the way, I ordered the seal you mentioned. It says it’s for an 8000 lb Hayes axle, are you sure it’s the correct one? I’m assuming I need one per wheel, correct? Thanks again, Jascha
Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

8/17/2026

@Jascha The OEM controllers just don't love EOH actuators and there's no real rhyme or reason to it most of the time. Some of them work just fine and others don't unfortunately. The seal I mentioned has the correct dimensions and is for oil bath so it does for sure fit.
See All (6) Replies to Jascha L. ∨
Barry profile picture

Barry

8/17/2026

If your trailer sets a lot you may want to stay with the greasable E-Z lube seals/hub. The wet seals tend to take a set after setting awhile and therefore are prone to leak.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

8/17/2026

@Barry that's a good tip!
Jascha profile picture

Jascha

8/17/2026

@Barry Oh man, just when I thought I had it all figured out! What do you reckon is “a lot”? A few weeks? A few months? It’s going to be stored for a few months at a time, especially in the winter. Thanks, Jascha
Jascha profile picture

Jascha

8/17/2026

@Barry Okay, I’ve spent quite a lot of time poking around, and I’m going to stick with grease. From what I can tell, the upsides of oil only outweigh the downsides if one puts in many tens of thousands of miles per year. And the storage problem is a deal breaker for me. @JamesonC @RoyceG I’m hoping I can return the seals and oil I ordered (order #125385991)!
Pitman44 profile picture

Pitman44

8/19/2026

I installed Kodiak brakes on our Gran Design Momentum 397th. I considered oil bath because I wasn't really comfortable with the EZ Lube system. I opted to not go with oil bath because an oil leak fairly quickly means you have no lubrication on your wheel bearings at all. We happened to lose a wheel bearing on the first day of a 5 day haul. Since our rig has 3 axles I opted to pull the failed wheel and haul to a campground where we could stay for a few days if needed. I found a small, old time trailer dealer reasonably close. I had another hub, but it didn't have one of the races installed. I should've checked it. In any case the old timer there made a pretty convincing argument on the pluses of the EZ Lube system. He even had a stand he used to pack bearings in loose wheels. That allowed me to see just how the EZ Lube system packed bearing. Honestly it did a great job. Raised my comfort level quite a bit.

Jameson C. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jameson C.

8/19/2026

@Pitman44 EZ lube system is great but you have to make sure you don't overfill the hub with grease which is pretty easy to do. Once the hub heats up with the excess grease it will expand and blow out the seal.

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