Determining if Hydraulic Hub Drums Will Work with Electric Brake Assemblies

Question:

I am considering replacing a hydraulic surge brake system with electric. Can i swap out the brakes with these and still use the same hub? Attached is the picture of the hub. This is off of an M116a military trailer.

asked by: Kyle H

Expert Reply:

There are definitely hub drum models that can be used with both hydraulic and electric brakes but based on the picture you attached you have a model that is only compatible with hydraulic assemblies. The hub drum would need to be completely smooth where you see that star/flower-type bolt design inside your hub for it to work with the armature and magnet on electric brakes.

If you can tell me the inner and outer bearing numbers on your existing hubs I will be happy to recommend a specific hub and drum assembly that will work great with the etrailer.com Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-7-SA that you were looking at.

I have also attached an article on adding electric brakes to a trailer that you might find helpful during this process.

expert reply by: Chris R