Replacing brakes: Should a person use bonded shoes?

[Homerr]

2000 Escort Trailer, single axle. Bought new @ Bayliner dealer.
12" x 2" free-backing surge brakes.

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Time to replace my backing plate assemblies. They've been in there 9 years!

Question: Should a person use BONDED shoes?

I picked up a set of Titan backing plate assemblies from a local trailer shop, but I didn't notice they were bonded shoes until I got home. I also didn't ask if they were 'marine' grade. I told the dealer what they were going on and he said they would fit, so I assumed I was OK.

I read somewhere that bonded brakes might come loose since they are getting soaked in water? Has anyone had this issue?

The new assemblies look identical to the ones I'm replacing; however my original shoes were riveted and some of the parts inside have a powder-coat looking-finish. The new assemblies look like they are painted and don't have any coating on the shoes. The slave cylinder is steel, but looks like it has a galvanized type of finish.

I do 99% of my boating in fresh water and don't travel far (my longest run is approx. 60 miles one-way) and from what I've read - a person should replace those assemblies every 2-3 years anyway. If that's the case, then why should a person spend the extra on the super-coated stuff?

Am I looking at potential failure using bonded brakes? Take them back and get a refund or replacement? Or will they work for 2-3 years?


Thanks,

Homer

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Replacing brakes: Should a person use bonded shoes?

I can't imagine any brake manufacturer using any sort of bonding adhesive that is water sensitive? Even if it's not a boat trailer, what about rain and flooded roads?

The reasoning behind bonded vs. riveted shoes is that the give longer service, and there are no rivets to break, corrode, or come loose. I'm also sure they probably cut manufacture costs a bit as well since the lining doesn't have to be drilled and riveted on.

 

[nlain]

Re: Replacing brakes: Should a person use bonded shoes?

I recently had to replace the brake lines on my trailer, then the brakes were hanging up, I pulled wheels, to check, rust, boat in saltwater, in trying to get things freed up I found lining off of 1 pad and the lining came off of both pads on the other side, this is the pads that came with the trailer in Feb 2004 so they are due failure, I had hoped to get one more trip, got a new set coming, they are bonded also. I did not see anything other than bonded for my particular set of pads. There really should be not problem using bonded lining, mine would probably be fine except for the rust. I rinse my trailer every time I pull it out of the water but there is only so much you can do. I do not think you will have the rust problem in fresh water that I do in saltwater.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Replacing brakes: Should a person use bonded shoes?

Thank you gentlemen. I'll refrain from hauling the set back down to the dealer for a replacement.

I also thought of that too... normal (wet) road conditions would also affect a bonded brake, so why shouldn't they hold up? I can understand the one exception: Salt water. It's just plain nasty to everything. Good thing is (or bad seeing as I love the ocean)... I don't go in salt water all that often. Maybe twice a year if I'm lucky.

I have one of those flush-kits installed. They help.
I also noticed the new plates have a pre-drilled hole that the flush-kit fits perfectly. I assume that's what the hole is for. There are two other plugged holes at the bottom. I'm not sure what those are for. I might get crafty and splice my flush kit into those holes as well. It wouldn't hurt.

Being the first time I've ever replaced trailer brakes, I must admit the ease of it. 5 bolts and you have the whole assembly in your hands and just as easy to put it all back.

Now why can't cars be that simple?

 

[woosterken]

Re: Replacing brakes: Should a person use bonded shoes?

would the other two holes at the bottom be access to the adjusters,?
like in the back of car /truck wheels.

woosterken