Recommended Brake Actuator For Disc Brake Conversion

Question

Question:

Do I have to buy a new actuator when changing to disc brakes

asked by: Jeff

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will most likely need to change to a new actuator when making a change to disc brakes. Most disc brake systems will require the 1600 psi pressure rating versus drum brakes that require 1000 psi.

For an electric over hydraulic actuator, I recommend the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # HBA16. This is made to work with disc brakes and is compatible with many brake controllers.

For a surge brake actuator, I recommend you look at the linked page and determine what you need for your specific trailer based on hitch ball size, weight of trailer, and frame type.

If you need help with parts for your disc conversion, let me know.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Answer 1

Thank you for including images, this was a great help to me understanding what you will need to do to equip your trailer with electric brakes. The best thing for you to do is to immobilize the surge coupler. To do this you can weld the inner part of…

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Answer 2

All of that is not necessary. All you have to do is lock out the surge coupler so it cannot move in and out or disconnect the brake lines. By removing the old coupler you would have to remove the brake lines any way. A surge coupler can still be used…

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Answer 3

This was a very intelligent question and you are correct that the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes #HBA16 can be overheated during longer periods of stopping. To get the definitive word I contacted HydraStar about your…

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Answer 4

Actually, if the latching portion of the coupler still works correctly, you can simply engage the manual lockout lever on your coupler which will prevent the coupler from compressing and trying to apply the brakes, allowing you to continue using your…

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Answer 5

The Kodiak Disc Brake Kit part #K2R35D that you referenced does include a rotor that is 10 inches in overall diameter and is designed for the bolt pattern 5 on 4-1/2 inch that you mentioned as well. Sounds like this kit is exactly what you would…

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Answer 6

Your bolt pattern is a standard 4 bolt pattern which the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit part #K2R35D does work with. We should add that but basically if a brake flange is 4 bolt it's going to be what this was designed for.

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Answer 7

Below is the general process for bleeding an electric over hydraulic brake actuator like #K71-650. Fill reservoir with NEW brake fluid. Never re-use brake fluid that has been salvaged or removed from another system. Remove the key from the breakaway…

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Answer 8

According to Hydrastar, their #HS481-8067 vented Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator system does indeed include a charger for the battery used by the break away system. The charger would connect to the 12-volt trailer connector feed from the tow…

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Answer 9

In regards to an electric over hydraulic actuator, the 1,000 psi model is for drum brakes and the 1,200 psi model is for disc brakes. The size of the axle, etc. are not factors. The most popular option we offer is the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric…

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Answer 10

Yes, the Hydrastar Vented Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator, #HS381-8067, will work with the factory brake controller on your 2011 Ford F-350. The earlier Ford brake controllers had trouble with these types of system, but Ford changed the brake…

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Answer 11

Yes, the Hydrastar Vented Marine EOH Actuator kit part #HS481-8067 can be used on an equipment trailer that has 2 10k Dexter axles. While the actuator has features that allow it to work on boat trailers it would still function just as well on a…

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Answer 12

I did not see where you mentioned what electric over hydraulic actuator you are using but if it is the HydraStar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator part #HBA16 that you referenced then the first thing I recommend you check is that you are using…

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