Drum Brakes Making Noise on Brand New Trailer

Question:

I have a new 2018 sportsman LZ that we have taken twice. On the last drive home i notice a screatch from the brakes. Was going to look to see. I know they should be about 3/16th and change if they get below 1/16th, but i have seen some change the pads them self or actually change the whole housing, pads, magnet, etc. Which way is the preferred way? Also, do you know why on a new camper i would be getting a screatch already from my breaks?

asked by: Andy A

Helpful Expert Reply:

Regarding the noise you are hearing from the brakes on your 2018 Sportsman trailer you mentioned taking it out twice and that it is new. What is probably going on is a little corrosion on the inside from sitting. If brakes are not used regularly then that can happen and it should go away after a while. If it doesn't you may need to pull the hubs off and see if there is any debris that might not be getting cleared away.

On drum brakes such as # 23-458 it is often much easier to just change the whole assembly rather than just the pads. This is because drum brakes are relatively inexpensive and if you just replace the assemblies you will have all new parts.

expert reply by: Michael H