New style UFP calipers - what's the difference? Considering an upgrade

[artcarney_agr]

I've got a 2000 Ranger Trail tandem axle trailer with UFP surge brakes and the COOL hubs.

In the spring of 2008, one of the calipers didn't release the pad from the rotor enough, causing overheating. The oil in my COOL hub expanded and then blew out. The hot oil from the hub then caught fire when it hit the hot rotor. Luckily I was able to get off the road quickly and get the fire put out and avoid any damage. I then had to order a boot kit and rebuilt the caliper and replaced the seals for the COOL hub. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that my brake fluid had rust flakes in it. I assumed that was the cause of the problem and flushed the system to remove any and all rust flakes that might cause blockage.

Then, last fall, the same thing happened again. This time, I have no idea as to what the cause may be. The fluid appears clean.

Supposedly the newer caliper alleviates the issue I've been having. Is this so? What is the difference? Will I be able to find a caliper that will use the same mounting holes as the previous one?

Just trying to figure out what the best thing to do is before I start placing orders for parts and what the actual problem may be.

[Lyn O. Dyer]

Those brakes are 10 yrs old, time for the newer DB-35 UFP calipers, they are alot better, and they will mount right to the 4 hole flange you already have...Also,you might think about changing the oil bath hubs to grease, it's easy to do, Call Dennis at UFP...800-835-9211 ext.16..

[artcarney_agr]

Why change to grease? Are the COOL hubs considered obsolete now?

[Lyn O. Dyer]

It really gets down to personal preference, UFP has discontinued the oil bath hubs...

[artcarney_agr]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lyn O. Dyer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It really gets down to personal preference, UFP has discontinued the oil bath hubs...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I did not know that.