My TT is 17 years old and I've never had work done on the brakes. It's been in storage for a few years and I'm about to bring it out, replace the tires, and do some surface restoration. My question - I figure its probably a good idea to replace the brake drums at this stage and I'm wondering how difficult that is? I'm fairly practical and can use a wrench, but I've never done any significant mechanical repairs on cars or trailers. It seems like I'll save a LOT by doing it myself too.Any thoughts on how difficult? Any special tools required? Maybe some pointers "how to" posts or videos? I believe that I have 3,500 lb Dexter axles with 10" drums. I'd prefer to go with self adjusting - current ones are manual.Also, is it simpler to replace the whole hub/drum assembly vs just the brake kit assembly?Appreciate thoughts/help.Daniel.

Replace the complete axle and brakes. Cost will be a little more but easier and quicker. Any decent trailer shop can do it for you. It will cost about $75 more per axle for a complete new job. Labor may be less.

You should learn from an experienced person. Don’t wing it alone on the first time IMO.

Taffy.C wrote:My TT is 17 years old and I've never had work done on the brakes. It's been in storage for a few years and I'm about to bring it out, replace the tires, and do some surface restoration. My question - I figure its probably a good idea to replace the brake drums at this stage and I'm wondering how difficult that is? I'm fairly practical and can use a wrench, but I've never done any significant mechanical repairs on cars or trailers. It seems like I'll save a LOT by doing it myself too.Any thoughts on how difficult? Any special tools required? Maybe some pointers "how to" posts or videos? I believe that I have 3,500 lb Dexter axles with 10" drums. I'd prefer to go with self adjusting - current ones are manual.Also, is it simpler to replace the whole hub/drum assembly vs just the brake kit assembly?Appreciate thoughts/help.Daniel.Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?

Loganhorse wrote:Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?Brakes were not engaging with much resistance last time I used the trailer ( a few years ago - and they were adjusted correctly) and I'm having some connectivity issues now as well. I'm fairly confident that it isn't in the controller/tow vehicle, although I still have a couple of checks to do there. Also, I've never had the drums opened/inspected in the life of the trailer - only had them adjusted. I just figured it was probably simpler to replace, since I don't have a lot of time to spend on it.

Taffy.C wrote:Loganhorse wrote:Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?Brakes were not engaging with much resistance last time I used the trailer ( a few years ago - and they were adjusted correctly) and I'm having some connectivity issues now as well. I'm fairly confident that it isn't in the controller/tow vehicle, although I still have a couple of checks to do there. Also, I've never had the drums opened/inspected in the life of the trailer - only had them adjusted. I just figured it was probably simpler to replace, since I don't have a lot of time to spend on it. I wouldn't replace them unless they are worn but that's just me. You can replace the whole brake assembly fairly easy and reuse the old drums.https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Dexter-Axle/23-468-469.html

How difficult to install new brake drums | Good Sam Community

bgum
Explorer
Jan 10, 2021
Replace the complete axle and brakes. Cost will be a little more but easier and quicker. Any decent trailer shop can do it for you. It will cost about $75 more per axle for a complete new job. Labor may be less.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2021
You should learn from an experienced person. Don’t wing it alone on the first time IMO.
Loganhorse
Explorer
Jan 10, 2021
Taffy.C wrote:
My TT is 17 years old and I've never had work done on the brakes. It's been in storage for a few years and I'm about to bring it out, replace the tires, and do some surface restoration. My question - I figure its probably a good idea to replace the brake drums at this stage and I'm wondering how difficult that is? I'm fairly practical and can use a wrench, but I've never done any significant mechanical repairs on cars or trailers. It seems like I'll save a LOT by doing it myself too.

Any thoughts on how difficult? Any special tools required? Maybe some pointers "how to" posts or videos?

I believe that I have 3,500 lb Dexter axles with 10" drums. I'd prefer to go with self adjusting - current ones are manual.

Also, is it simpler to replace the whole hub/drum assembly vs just the brake kit assembly?

Appreciate thoughts/help.

Daniel.

Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?
Taffy_C
Explorer
Jan 10, 2021
Loganhorse wrote:
Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?

Brakes were not engaging with much resistance last time I used the trailer ( a few years ago - and they were adjusted correctly) and I'm having some connectivity issues now as well. I'm fairly confident that it isn't in the controller/tow vehicle, although I still have a couple of checks to do there. Also, I've never had the drums opened/inspected in the life of the trailer - only had them adjusted. I just figured it was probably simpler to replace, since I don't have a lot of time to spend on it.
Loganhorse
Explorer
Jan 10, 2021
Taffy.C wrote:
Loganhorse wrote:
Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?

Brakes were not engaging with much resistance last time I used the trailer ( a few years ago - and they were adjusted correctly) and I'm having some connectivity issues now as well. I'm fairly confident that it isn't in the controller/tow vehicle, although I still have a couple of checks to do there. Also, I've never had the drums opened/inspected in the life of the trailer - only had them adjusted. I just figured it was probably simpler to replace, since I don't have a lot of time to spend on it.

I wouldn't replace them unless they are worn but that's just me. You can replace the whole brake assembly fairly easy and reuse the old drums.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Dexter-Axle/23-468-469.html
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jan 10, 2021
Would replace the whole brake assembly or as someone suggested would be a good time to upgrade the axle .
Loganhorse
Explorer
Jan 10, 2021
Before replacing anything I would make sure you are getting voltage to the magnets.
prichardson
Explorer
Jan 10, 2021
It is unlikely you would need new drums unless they have gotten scored by bad brake shoes. The shoes however, would need to be changed if they are worn. The easy way is to replace the backing plate and shoes as an assembly; especially if you want to upgrade to self adjusting.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 10, 2021
How To.....

Dexter Service Manual

Watch video, read up, jump in and get it done
deltabravo
Nomad
Jan 10, 2021
Taffy.C wrote:
Also, is it simpler to replace the whole hub/drum assembly vs just the brake kit assembly?

"Hub/Drum" is a totally different set of parts and replacement project than the "brake kit assembly"

Hub/drum is what you remove when repacking the bearings and inspecting the brakes.
Drums last a long time. There's no really reason to replace them unless they are out of round or have been machined beyond their maximum diameter.

Replacing the brake backing plate assembly is simple: clip the wires, remove 4 nuts on the axle flange that hold the brake assembly in place, reinstall new brake assembly and reconnect the wires.

I show the bub/drum R&R (bearing repack) in this video