Recommended Drums For Hayes Axle On 1983 Carriage Conestoga Fifth Wheel Trailer

Question:

Ok, sorry for all the posts. Please review my earlier emails. I am including one photo. Please let me know if Im on the right track. I had to do one of two things, The center holes are different sized. The old is 3 1/2 and the new is roughly 3 1/4. I had to either grind off the 4 locating bosses on the backing plate mounting flange or cut grooves with a grinder in 4 places on the plate. Since I dont expect to ever have to replace these again, I chose the latter. The bolts that come with the unit are too small so I elected to remove the studs from the old plates and use them to install the new plates. Actually worked well as the studs pull part way into the flange effectively centering the new backing plate. I know your feelings about reusing hardware but thoroughly checked the studs. They appear ok. Included is a pic that shows the back of the new/old plates. The old plate is recessed and this is what is causing my issue with the drums not fitting. Can you please tell me which drums I need to make this all work? 6 x 5 1/2 I believe.

asked by: Bill W

Expert Reply:

There are a couple things going on you can check. First, your shoes may be adjusted out too far and that is what is causing the fit issue with the drum. You will want to adjust the brakes so that they are not expanded as much and see if that helps.

If you are going to replace the drums you will need to know the bearing and seal sizes that fit your spindles. I have attached a photo that shows where the numbers can be found on your old bearing and seal and make sure they are a match with the drum you choose. If you cannot find the numbers on the bearings or seals you can use a digital caliper and measure the spindle in the locations noted on the attached photo to make sure you get the correct components.

You can check out the drums I have attached and see if the included bearings fit your system. First is part # 8-201-9UC3-EZ. This is designed for 5,200 and 6,000 lb trailer axles and has a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern. The inner bearing is part # 25580 that has an inner diameter of 1.750 inches. The outer bearing is part # 15123 and it has an inner diameter of 1.250 inches.

The second is part # 42866UC3-EZ. This drum is for 5,200 to 7,000 lb axles and has an 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern.

If your brakes are the original and on a Hayes axle, the hub and drums mentioned should be a good fit.

I have attached a helpful article that explains how to measure the bolt pattern on your wheels so you can make sure you select the correct drum.