Disc brakes

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by dclerici1, Dec 7, 2016.

  1. dclerici1

    dclerici1 Medium Load Member

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    thinking about replacing tractor and the step and leaning towards disc all around. Anybody have experience with them? I know about lighter weight, easy pad replacement, but also heard (2nd, 3rd, 4th hand) that pads don't last very long. Thoughts?
     
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  3. Yves kanevil

    Yves kanevil Medium Load Member

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    I have tried trucks with discs and love the stopping power compared to drums. The only reason I don't convert is that I do a lot of off-road and they don't last when exposed to mud and sand. If not for that everything would haves discs
     
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  4. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    I just replaced my step with one that has discs. The rotor wear also. Not sure of repair costs drum versus disc. Wouldn't think the cost much different because I haven't read much complaint about this.
    The advantage I like is the DOT can't inspect the push rod and give you an OOS.
    What I have been able to determine is one way to tell if a brake position is not working properly is look for rust on the rotor.
     
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  5. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I recall a Set of Disc Brakes in a trucking publication which was being billed as competitive to drums in every way including weight.

    If you take a truck off road, you are going to get all sorts of stuff inside the assembly and it wont do well.

    Yes you can make a big truck stop quicker on disc but you are going to pay for that in increased wear.

    Finally but not last, hand me a disc tractor trailer and let's go to say Cabbage. Let's see how well (Cool) those things do if there is no jake. Im not sure the Manufactorers test things to destruction as they should and engineer them.

    My trust is in drums for trucks, Ive spent a life time with them and will view Disc with some suspiction and have to prove to me. I do like disc brakes in cars and small trucks like my Tahoe, but it is a higher maintaince than drums are. There is dust that show up on the wheels around the disc brakes that everyone knows is brake dust that call for shop replacement of pads at a minimum.

    Finally but not least. You can turn rotors down one time in a car to take the warp out of them There is not much you can do to take the warp of a huge truck rotor out.

    I hate to be raining on the disc parade, I welcome it if you can prove to me in battle against the mountain in adverse conditions that they will stand up.
     
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  6. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    There's no question in my mind, that discs are superior in ANY application. Drums date back 100 years. There are a few disadvantages to discs, stopping while rotors are wet, and probably not the best for off-road where a lot of dust is present, but for running down the road, it's the way to go.
     
  7. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Give or take about 600K on a set of pads. Don't have to touch the rotors on the first pad change. Had them on the trucks since the 09's and on new trailer orders. They will hold far better on hills than drums ever thought of.
     
  8. Rontonio

    Rontonio Road Train Member

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    I have them on my 65 ton multiaxle trailer and they are great. I have them in the spec for my truck I have already ordered.

    The stopping power is impressive and they do not require grease.

    I have been told to expect the 600k before pads.

    I am regularly loaded between 175-200k gross.
     
  9. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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  10. Cheap Weenie

    Cheap Weenie Light Load Member

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    The discs will outperform the drums on Cabbage any day of the week. Stop faster, last longer, and stay much cooler.
     
  11. Sublime

    Sublime Road Train Member

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    Disc are far superior to drums in every way except maybe initial cost. But that's coming down and there's really no other justification for staying with drums at this point.
     
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