To flush or not to flush

[Jon Tallis]

I fitted hub flushers to my trailer last year and since using them the condition of the brake internals has got massively worse.
I recon its due to flushing when I get home (with fresh water & X-salt), then the brakes sit there damp for weeks at a time.
Before I fitted the flushers the brakes, although being immersed in Salt, were dried out by the heat of the brakes on the way home, so were dry when stored. I know this doesn't remove the salt crystals, but the difference in condtion was remarkable.
The previous set of brake linings, springs lasted 5 seasons, after fitting the flushers have lasted only 18 months. Linings have corroded off the shoes, springs are shot, the lot needs changing. I wont be flushing anymore unless I can do it at the slipway.
Anyone else had the same experience??

[BogMonster]

Interesting Jon ... I have also wondered the same thing, whether a quick spin-dry on the way home is better than leaving the brakes soaking wet and rusting after flushing them at home. I've not looked yet - trailer is only about six months old.

I reckon as you say the best thing is flush at the slip and dry on the way home but I can't do that either.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Jon Tallis

I wont be flushing anymore unless I can do it at the slipway.

Which slipway(s) do you use?

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I reckon as you say the best thing is flush at the slip and dry on the way home but I can't do that either.

A couple of gallons of water and a cheap bilge pump and you could.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

A couple of gallons of water and a cheap bilge pump and you could.

or a bong

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

or a bong

Oh, your image is working in the quote,but not in your post. Odd!

[Downhilldai]

Doubt you needed the image, Nos.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Doubt you needed the image, Nos.

Nope, that was rough!

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

A couple of gallons of water and a cheap bilge pump and you could.

Realistically it probably wouldn't make a lot of difference in my case ... my trip home is only about 1 mile rarely exceeding 30mph and with hardly any braking (mostly slightly uphill) so I doubt the brakes get warm anyway.

[Jon Tallis]

[QUOTE=BogMonster;395428]

I have also wondered the same thing, whether a quick spin-dry on the way home is better than leaving the brakes soaking wet and rusting after flushing them at home.

I recon dont flush at all unless you can dry the brakes off afterwards. Just cost me $80 for a new set of brake linings and budgetting for a new axle next year 'coz one of the backplates is so corroded.

I like the drum of fresh water and bilge pump idea though......

[Jon Tallis]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Which slipway(s) do you use?

Several. Usually either Neyland Yacht Club, Hobbs Point, Llanion or Dale. Neyland has a tap but you need to get the key from the club and I'm usually running late!

[Downhilldai]

Better get yourself a bong then.