I have a 2010 Keystone Cougar that has been having brake issues for the last couple of years. I had the main brake line replaced from the plug to the brakes, and the voltage from the controller to the 7 pin is correct for 100% braking; However, it's just not working right.I've resolved myself to replacing the entire brake assembly (I could replace the magnets and then find out it's still not quite right, but for the cost, and the miles I have, why not?).With that, I'd like to either scuff up the drums or have them turned. Does anybody know a shop in LA that will turn the drums if your bring them to them? Furthermore, since they appear to be barely used, I could scuff them up, but if I did, what grit sandpaper should I use to get it done? Your thoughts are appreciated! Josh

Any reputable auto parts store that has machine shop services will turn drums. If you do a search for a NAPA or Auto Value parts store in your area and call them they will turn your drums and can usually get any trailer brake parts you need in around a day.

Pep Boys with service centers used to charge about $10 each to turn drums. Local O'Reiley turns drums, higher price, but gives a discount if you buy brakes there.

but do they turn the magnet surface well or just the outside drum surface. My mechanic told me that most of the shops are not setup to surface the magnet face. they can do the outer surface.... My question is: Can I just deglaze the surface with a 120 grit or 80 grit spinning the drum, not cutting the surface but just roughing it up?

If where the magnet goes is not smooth you need to turn that too. Most places will not or can not do it. Check the price and then check the price of a new drum.

I found a local shop that relines brake shoes and clutches. They're set up for turning flywheels and also 2-surface trailer drums.IIRR you can turn drums to .090" over, which is quite a bit.

Drum Turning in Los Angeles | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

Sport45
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2015
Thanks, but how's it done? It's been about a dozen years since I had a trailer brake drum off and I wasn't paying attention to that. I just pulled it to see which way to roll the star wheel when adjusting and put it back on.

I'm not an RV'r now, but hope to be soon. Retirement is no more than a year or two away and we enjoyed trailering with my inlaws a whole lot in the 80's.
K_Charles
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
Sport45 wrote:
I hope this isn't too off-topic, but how do you know when you've reached the minimum thickness for the surface the magnet rides on? Is it when the studs are flush?

In CT they wouldn't let us sell trailers without the means to measure the drum thickness.
Sport45
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2015
I hope this isn't too off-topic, but how do you know when you've reached the minimum thickness for the surface the magnet rides on? Is it when the studs are flush?
jodeb720
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
I'm in LA near LAX; However, I don't expect to find a place that turns the drums close by. I work in downtown, so if I can find a place somewhat near, I can pull them off in the AM, pick them up at or just after lunch.

@Pure Diesel - thanks for the find. I may have to take them out and just wait.

@Mbopp - clutches and flywheels that's a great idea.

I'll have to price replacing them - it may be cheaper than all the gas involved...

Thanks all!

@ Charles - they seem to be smooth, but it's all by eyeballing them. I couldn't tell unless they were on a spindle and I could see how much run out.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 08, 2015
Unless gouged/pitted no need to resurface drums
Pure_Diesel
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
Where in L.A. are you? Pretty big area.
If your in the North L.A. county, try Accurate Trailer Hitch. Their in Santa Clarita, CA 661-251-9234.
mbopp
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
I found a local shop that relines brake shoes and clutches. They're set up for turning flywheels and also 2-surface trailer drums.
IIRR you can turn drums to .090" over, which is quite a bit.
K_Charles
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
If where the magnet goes is not smooth you need to turn that too. Most places will not or can not do it. Check the price and then check the price of a new drum.
jodeb720
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
but do they turn the magnet surface well or just the outside drum surface. My mechanic told me that most of the shops are not setup to surface the magnet face. they can do the outer surface....

My question is:

Can I just deglaze the surface with a 120 grit or 80 grit spinning the drum, not cutting the surface but just roughing it up?
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jun 08, 2015
Pep Boys with service centers used to charge about $10 each to turn drums. Local O'Reiley turns drums, higher price, but gives a discount if you buy brakes there.

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Drum Turning in Los Angeles

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