Parts Needed To Add Brakes To A Second Axle

Question:

Just purchased a car trailer. It appears to have drums on the axles. My question is kind of 2 fold if you will. It has 2 axels. Do I need to put brakes on both? I.E. 4 total brake systems. Also what all do I need to do to determine what brakes I will need? Simple measuring? If so what all would I measure? Thank you in advance

asked by: Effrin L

Helpful Expert Reply:

Typically, as long as the brakes are on the front axle, you will be good to go. More of the weight will end up on the front half of a trailer, so this is why only one axle has brakes. However, it is never a bad thing to have brakes on both axles and it will only offer you more braking power.

To choose the correct brakes and drums, you really do just need to confirm a few things. First will be the bearings. You will need to see if there are numbers on both the inner and outer bearings. These do wear out over time though, so you may need to measure the inner diameters of them. These are very exact with their sizes, so you will need to use a pair of calipers if the numbers are no longer visible.

As an example, if you find the number # L68149 (or inner diameter of 1.378") on the inner bearing, and then find the number # L44649 (or 1.063" inner diameter) on the outer bearing, this will mean you have the ever so common Dexter #84 spindle. The etrailer.com Hub/Drum # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K will fit onto this and will replace all bearings, seals, lug nuts, and the grease cap.

Next you will need to verify your bolt pattern for the wheels/drums. I included an article for you to check out that will help identify which you currently have.

Next you will need to verify the brake parts. This will not be overly difficult as all you need to do is measure the diameter and width of the drum the brakes will fit into. It doesn't hurt to double check the bolt pattern on the back of the brakes, but typically this will be a standard used on specific sized set ups.

With all that being said, depending on how old the trailer is, you can also see about getting ahold of the trailer manufacture with the VIN. If they are still around, they may actually just be able to tell you what size everything is. This is definitely the easiest way to do it, but sometimes doesn't pan out.