Does Drum Brake Master Cylinder Need to be Replaced with Atwood Master Cylinder for Disc Brakes

Question:

HI, I was thinking of changing out my trailer brakes from drum to disk. I have a zieman tandom axle 3500lb trailer with brakes on the rear axle actuated by a Titan model 60. I do not want to change my tongue and ball reciever. Would I be able to just change out my master cylinder with the Titan # T4820000 master cylinder? The Master appears to be the same configuration as the master currently on my trailer or would the master on the trailer work adequitly for disk brakes? Thanks for your help

asked by: BOB M

Expert Reply:

I spoke with the Titan, who confirmed that the master cylinder # T4820000 is indeed the correct replacement when switching from drum to disc brakes. Because hydraulic disc brakes operate at a higher pressure (1,500 psi) than drum brakes (1,000 psi), the master cylinder used for your current drum brakes won't deliver the required pressure to effectively actuate disc brakes.

If your current Titan Model 60 doesn't have the electric lock-out feature that defeats the brakes when the vehicle's transmission is shifted into reverse, you can add the solenoid to enable the electric lock-out by using part # T4748800. A shield like # T4835800183 is recommended if you're adding the solenoid.

I've included a link to an article on switching from drum to disc brakes.

expert reply by: Amber S