Should Trailer Brake Pads Fail After 3 Years

Question:

I have a brakerite controller, trailer is 3 years old tuff trailer Tandem axle holds 9000 lb boatI have 12inch UFP disc brakes and aluminum calipers-recently my brake pads which only had 4,000 miles on them started to brake apartthey did it a month apart3 brakes did it and then the hubs got hot as the backing plates scraped the rotor-I do back the trailer into salt water but rinse them every time My questions are- 1. can these UFP brake pads just fail after 3 years and should I have changed them sooner even though they had the pad left like new ones 2. Does the pad failure seem like a caliper problem,, some say you shouldnt use aluminum calipers with a EHB system

asked by: Roger K

Expert Reply:

It is possible that your brake pads could fail after 3 years depending how often you use the trailer, Basically different applications, loads, driving styles and other factors have an effect on how quickly brakes will need replaced. Adjust the brakes every 3,000 miles or when there is a question in the brake performance.

For a saltwater marine environment stainless steel brake components, not aluminum, are the best possible option for durability and corrosion resistance. Although they will cost more up front they will last longer than any other type. Even with stainless, it is important to rinse off the brakes (and the rest of the trailer) after exposure to salt water.

expert reply by: Chris O