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Parts Needed to Add Electric Brakes to Utility Trailer That Currently has Idler Hubs  

Question:

I have a single axle utility trailer with a 3.5K axle. It currently has regular hubs on it, but I'd like to add electric brakes to it. I understand how to wire the trailer, but how do I know which hub I need?

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Expert Reply:

The first thing you'll want to do is make sure your axle has a brake mounting flange. If it's a 3500 lb axle, it should have one.

Next, you'll want to pull one of your existing hubs and obtain the reference numbers from the inner and outer wheel bearing. Also, examine the grease seal and get the reference number off of that.

If you can't read the reference numbers off the bearings or the seal, use a digital caliper to measure the diameter of the spindle where each bearing and the seal ride along the spindle. With those dimensions, I can determine which bearings and seal you have.

You'll want to ensure that the replacement hub/drum you choose is compatible with your existing bearings, and that the wheel bolt pattern the hub offers is compatible with the wheels you have. I'll link you to an FAQ article that shows how to determine your wheel bolt pattern. Finally, you'll choose a brake assembly that's compatible with the diameter and depth of your brake drum.

For example, a 3500 lb axle frequently would have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt circle, would use a L68149 inner and an L44649 outer bearing with a 10-19 grease seal. The inside diameter would commonly be 10 inches with a depth of 2-1/4 inches (like the # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K hub you referenced).

If you'd care to reply with the wheel bolt pattern, as well as the bearing numbers and seal number from your current hubs or the spindle dimensions I mentioned above, I'd be happy to make some specific recommendations for you.

I'll also link you to a FAQ article that would explain the whole process for you.

expert reply by:
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Mike L
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