Oil Bath or Grease for HydraStar Disc Brake Kit with Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers

Question:

Getting ready to place my order for this kit. Can you tell me the part number for a bearing buddy that will work with these, I prefer stainless steel. Does the kit come with a hose to transition from the actuator to the tubing? If not, do you have available a hose that will work with a 90deg on one end and straight on the other? If so, what part numbers for that and adapters to tubing. I have a auto reset 40 amp breaker in my cart, the HBA-CAM adapter which I may not need. I have a 2018 Chevy 2500 HD. Anything else I may need to complete this installation, other than grease and brake fluid? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Darin V

Helpful Expert Reply:

In regards to the bearings, trailer bearings nowadays are generally made overseas; there may be some exceptions here and there, but they generally aren't standard trailer bearings. The bearings and seals that come with the HydraStar Disc Brake Kit with Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers # HSE7K-T1 are of the highest quality and you won't have any issues.

As far as changing from grease to oil bath, that is not recommended for trailer hubs. Oil bath hubs can be problematic because they are far more prone to leaking due to the tighter seal needed for the fluid. Additionally, if an oil seal busts you will lose all of the hub's lubrication and will need to stop immediately and replace the parts whereas a greased hub will still be able to retain the packed grease so you can make it home safely to fix an issue.

I have added a link to a video review for you to check out as well of the HydraStar Disc Brake Kit with Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers # HSE7K-T1.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Darin V.

2/14/2020

Kyle S.

2/14/2020

Let's start with the Bearing Buddies for the hubs in the HydraStar Disc Brake Kit # HSE7K-T1, and for that you will need a quantity of two of the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 2717SS - Stainless Steel (Pair) # BB2717SS. In regards to the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers # HBA-CAM though, this is not needed for a 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500, your truck's OEM brake controller is compatible with this actuator. The kit does have a hose as well as a fitting that will allow it to connect/transition to the brake lines so you do not need to get another hose separately. In regards to other products needed, a simple brake bleeder, the Powerbuilt Brake Bleeder # ALL648591 is recommended, as well as the Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp # PK54540. For grease, the best option is the LubriMatic Wheel Bearing Grease for Disc and Drum Brake Applications # L11465 along with LubriMatic Standard-Duty, Lever Action Grease Gun # L30200. I have added links to video reviews as well for you to check out.