What is the advantage of trailers having disc brakes?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TruckRunner, Jul 2, 2018.

  1. TruckRunner

    TruckRunner Heavy Load Member

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    Because I have a brake problem and no one has disc brakes in stock so do the advantages outweigh that if there is a problem no one carries them? I remember six years ago I had the same problem but I figured by now they would be more available.
     
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  3. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Superior stopping power and like 8x service life...

    Trailer dealer doesn't have the parts you need?
     
  4. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

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    8 times more service life?
    Not when people over heat them and warp the rotor.
    8 times more expensive more like.
     
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  5. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Company drivers maybe burn them out quickly...
    The cost is approximately double. So all the way around it's a no brainer for new equipment.

    I didn't think so until I tried them.
    Oh and no pushrod measurements.
     
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  6. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    I know that Texaco tried them back in the 90's. I don't think they had the disc on when they spec'd their trucks after that. The cost were preventable so I think they went the cheaper way. Smarter way too since the disc showed no real gain over the drum brakes.
     
  7. Meteorgray

    Meteorgray Heavy Load Member

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    I remember when disc brakes first became popular with racing cars. The theory then was the discs didn't necessarily stop the car better, but they tended to cool off faster in the curves, so they maintained their braking power longer when heavily used. Don't know if things have changed that.
     
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  8. not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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    Why is this even a question?

    It's like, "is the earth flat?"

    Airplanes, cars, motorcycles, bicycles... drum brakes are a relic.
     
  9. not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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    It isn't just that discs cool quicker-- which they do, thus retaining their effectiveness and significantly reducing heat-soak-- but drums also expand with heat reducing their effectiveness due to increased distance between drum and shoes. Discs are also "self-adjusting" to compensate for wear, heat, etc.
     
  10. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

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    Earth is round, and spherical.
     
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  11. not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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    The only time drums are superior is on initial application in the rain, but that advantage is quickly erased.
     
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