When Should Trailer Brakes be Replaced
Question:
You say - too many variables. Isnt it a matter of shoe thickness?. I do bearing repacks every 5k. Im thinking that break shoes need replacement just before the rivets show. Do you know the shoe thickness when the rivets are about to show?
asked by: Dave G
Helpful Expert Reply:
There are too many variables to really gauge exactly how many miles can be put on trailer brakes before they need to be replaced. Somebody who is pulling his trailer up mountains and then has to brake excessively will need to change his brakes much quicker than someone who is pulling his trailer along a vacant highway where stopping is not very often.
It also depends on the load of the trailer, the quality of the brakes, your driving habits, etc,...
We have a trailer maintenance schedule which I am linking for you to check out. Unless you feel like your brakes need to be changed much sooner we recommend checking your trailer brakes once a year or at least every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Make sure that everything looks good and is in proper working order. If something doesn't look right or the braking feels inconsistent to how it normally feels then you will either want to take it to a shop or change the brakes yourself.
If you are seeing rivets then it is definitely time to change the brakes. There is no shoe thickness standard that the rivets start to show for you to gauge by.
We recommend changing your entire brake assembly instead of just the pads because then you know that everything in there is new and you will not have to open up the brakes again if something were to fail. Let me know what size brakes you need and if they are electric or hydraulic and I can make a recommendation for you.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Hopkins Replacement Break-Away Switch, 44" Lead Wires
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Shop: Replacement Breakaway Switch for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes Installation on a 2017 Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheel
- Search Results: electric drum brakes
- Search Results: trailer brake away switch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wiring for Ford E-450 Motorhome
- Search Results: dust cap
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Trailer Suspension Hanger Kit for Slipper Springs and 38 inch Wheelbase
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
on Trailer Brakes
