How to Select Replacement Electric Drum Trailer Brakes

Question

Question:

what info or dimensions do i need to know when replacing elec brakes on my trailer

asked by: Rich

0

Expert Reply:

The details to confirm when selecting new trailer brakes are 1) the axle weight rating; 2) the brake/drum dimensions; and 3) the size of your trailer wheels (wheels, not tires) to ensure compatibility.

For choosing your new electric drum brakes for your trailer you will want to check the axle(s) for a sticker or plate that indicates the axle weight capacity. Some trailers' main identification sticker will indicate the axle ratings along with other info like the trailer VIN. Either way you need to confirm the weight rating for the axle in order to choose brakes with matching stopping power.

The other thing to confirm is the brake/drum dimensions, both diameter and width. Please refer to the linked image showing a hub/drum and how to determine its dimensions. For instance, a 3500-lb axle typically uses 10 x 2-1/4-inch brakes like # AKEBRK-35-SA while a 7000-lb axle will usually use 12 x 2-inch brakes like # 23-464-465. These 12 x 2 brakes work with wheel diameters of 14-1/2-, 15- and 16-inches.

The linked page displays all of our electric drum brakes and you need only click on the axle weight rating you have to see suitable brakes.

We offer both individual left- and right-hand brakes and complete sets of two. We also offer both manual-adjust and self-adjust types. Self-adjusting brakes will maintain proper pad tension on their own once you install and initially set their tension manually. After that they take care of themselves.

Electric brake wiring is non-polarized so it does not matter which magnet wire goes to ground or to the brake circuit. Be careful to ensure your ground wire is firmly affixed to a clean bare metal spot on the frame (or elsewhere). You can sand off that grounding point if needed to remove paint, primer, rust or anything that could impede conductivity.

Wiring connections can be made using butt connectors like # 05731-5 and an application of dielectric grease like # 11755 can help protect spliced connections and grounding points from corrosion caused by water and road salt.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

The bolt hole pattern for the brake assembly #AKEBRK-35L is 2-7/8 by 2-7/8 inches. I've linked a diagram of the flange the brake will install on with the same pattern. The shipping weight is 9 pounds. This is the left hand brake, if you also need…

view full answer...

Answer 2

When measuring an axle to determine the weight capacity you'll want to measure along the actual axle tube. Anywhere between the spring seats will work fine. I also recommend measuring with a digital caliper like #PTW80157 to get an accurate…

view full answer...

Answer 3

If the surface on the inside of the drum where the shoe pads make contact isn't smooth then a brake shop may be able to turn the drums. If that surface or the surface where the magnet makes contact (called the armature surface) is discolored then…

view full answer...

Answer 4

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

view full answer...

Answer 5

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

view full answer...

Answer 6

You will need to do some measuring to determine if the 10 Inch Electric Brake Assembly LH, item #AKEBRK-35L, is the correct assembly for your trailer. Measure the diameter of the mounted brake shoe, the width of the lining and the distance between…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

view full answer...

Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...