Forum Discussion

blofgren's avatar
blofgren
Explorer
Feb 28, 2015

Disc Brake Questions

Hello all. In a few weeks we will be picking up our new to us Corsair fifth wheel that has disc brakes. All of my previous units have had drum brakes so the discs are a new thing for me.

I know there is a setting for electric over hydraulic in the integrated brake controller in my truck and I will be sure to set it to that. I also suspect that I will need to experiment with the adjustment on the controller to get it right. Is there anything else I need to think about or pay attention to?

I would also assume that the brake fluid in the trailer is original and new fluid and flush would probably be a good idea. I will read the manual when I get it but are there any tips that I should pay attention to when doing this? I have done many brake fluid changes on vehicles but again this is new to me.

Lastly, is there any other ongoing maintenance that is required on this system?

Thanks for any advice anyone can provide!

10 Replies

  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2015
    Excellent, thanks very much. I'll post back once we get the trailer and I get the job done.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Mar 02, 2015
    Plug in the RV! Have someone push on the brakes like you would be bleeding a car.
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Mar 02, 2015
    When bleeding you either have to have the truck connected OR pull the plug on the breakaway switch which will immediately put full battery voltage on the pump/actuator. Just be ready to plug it back in real quick before you run the pump dry and get air back into the system.

    Either way it is a two man job.
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2015
    Round Topper wrote:
    Also keep in mind that the electric/hydraulic powerpack is running when your foot is on the brake, so if you are at a long stoplight or something, use neutral and the parkbrake so you don't overheat the powerpack.
    RTer


    Thank you very much for this tip; I did not know that.

    In regards to bleeding the system, am I correct in thinking that the cord needs to be connected to the truck with the key on and someone in the truck activating the trailer brakes?
  • Round_Topper's avatar
    Round_Topper
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2015
    Also keep in mind that the electric/hydraulic powerpack is running when your foot is on the brake, so if you are at a long stoplight or something, use neutral and the parkbrake so you don't overheat the powerpack.
    RTer
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Mar 01, 2015
    On Dexter axles, they are almost certainly Dexter Disk system. Mine have been flawless for four years now. Had to disconnect and then rebleed the system when we switched out axles (another long story that doesn't apply to you if you have the 7K axle sets.) but there was nothing hard about it. If you have to bleed, make sure the resivour at the pump doesn't run low on fluid. It isn't very big.

    You will like the response once you get the controller set up.
  • retispcsi's avatar
    retispcsi
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2015
    You have heavy and light settings as mentioned. Start at a five gain and check out the stopping ability and adjust from there. Once the brakes are set and brought up to snuff it is real nice thing..
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Mar 01, 2015
    Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure what type they are yet; they are on Dexter 7000 lb axles with Never Lube bearing sets if that helps.

    I will pull all the wheels when I get it home to have a look at the pad thickness, lube the pins and check the bearing play. I don't think the trailer has a lot of miles on it so hopefully all will be OK with little wear. It also has Carlisles on it so those will be swapped out asap too. I have over 600 miles to get it home so I'll keep my fingers crossed!
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Feb 28, 2015
    Me Again wrote:
    The calipers pins seem to need routine service to prevent them from hanging up. Are these Kodak brakes? Search here and on the web from maintenance suggestions. Chris


    You beat me to it!

    I would flush the system and remove the calipers and lube the slide pins and any mating surfaces with the proper silicone grease.

    You also have a setting Heavy or light.

    If you are in need of pads NAPA's best semi metallic are the way to go per Kevin at Kodiak. He has good and cheap pads for sale, he says no one wants to pay for quality.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Feb 28, 2015
    The calipers pins seem to need routine service to prevent them from hanging up. Are these Kodak brakes? Search here and on the web from maintenance suggestions. Chris

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