F53 Brake Advice
I am looking to replace the brake system on our 1996 Dolphin 535 (Ford F53), as the pads are worn and have begun to gouge the rear rotors. Not to mention the entire system is old, so I want to replace...
Forum Discussion
427435 wrote:
I will probably get flamed for this but, more than once, I have just changed the pads when I've found grooved rotors (not real badly grooved). That may lead to a little faster wear on that set of pads, but I've not noticed any difference in braking capability.
Just saying, how many more 1,000's of miles are you planning on using your MH?
X2. I was going to say that a few posts back, but thought I would let the OP decide for himself on what he felt most comfortable/safest with.
Since I started typing I will also add:
Check the wet boiling point on the brake fluid. This is the one that is important. Ford came out with a good brake fluid product, to try to fix the problem they had with their bad calipers.
If the rotors are red then you cooked them and they lost some of their strength.
The older F53 never stopped like a car. You need to adapt to it. Major reason I did not like my '96 F53 was the braking. I never did feel safe even after doing all the calipers/brakes/fluid.
Don't buy cheap rebuilt calipers! The best that Napa or O'Rielly sells. Don't skimp here. Buy them loaded.
Change the brake fluid every two years, and grease the pins. This will help a lot.
Even with all of that, your calipers will drag at times (mine did.) I found backing up and hitting the brakes a few times would help the MH out when it sat for a month or so. The more you use the rig the less dragging you'll have.
YMMV, so do what you feel is best/safest for you and your family.
