I was adjusting the rear brakes on a newly-acquired trailer over the weekend because they weren't doing anything.As I started to adjust the brakes and tighten them down, I could hear a distinct clackety-clack noise once per revolution coming from the drums.Sooner or later I'll pull them apart and see what's going on. Probably just put whole new brake assemblies on the rear axle.Unfortunately I did not have the time, ambition, or parts to investigate further, but I'm curious as to what might be making the noise. Any ideas?

Yeah.......Loose/missing magnet wire clipsLoose actuating leverLoose/missing brake shoe holddown springs/fastenersPieces of brake shoeBroken return springNothing good that's for sure......and they don't self heal

Probably a good idea to do it sooner. If it lets go while you're driving, you might end up on the side of the road with smoke rolling out from under your trailer from the loose parts binding inside the drum. Been there, etc.

I have two brakes with missing magnetic retainer clips and the mechanic said not to worry about it. I am worrying. Is that a problem? Can I get new clips?Maybe I should just replace the brakes since they are 16 years old.

Maybe I should just replace the brakes since they are 16 years old. It's the only way to go. You can buy new brake assemblies--backing plate, shoes, magnets, the works--for around $35 each.

wgriswold wrote:I have two brakes with missing magnetic retainer clips and the mechanic said not to worry about it. I am worrying. Is that a problem? Can I get new clips?Maybe I should just replace the brakes since they are 16 years old.Yes, you can get clips. clipsI would NOT replace the brakes IF they are in good condition. If the drum surface has mated well with the magnet, it would be best to not disturb it. The brake friction material was better in the good old days.

Electric brake clatter | Good Sam Community

BarneyS
Explorer III
Nov 16, 2016
mkirsch wrote:
I plan on replacing the brakes on the rear axle in the spring anyway.

Anybody know who has a good price on 7000lb, 8-lug brake assemblies?

I have had very good luck dealing with Eastern Marine for many parts I have needed.
Brake assemblies
Barney
RAS43
Explorer III
Nov 16, 2016
mkirsch wrote:
I plan on replacing the brakes on the rear axle in the spring anyway.

Anybody know who has a good price on 7000lb, 8-lug brake assemblies?

etrailer. They beat local suppliers even with shipping.
Bipeflier
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
The "once per revolution" sound would lead me to suspect something on the magnet armature face that is touching the magnet, once per rev.

It may be some rust or roughness on the surface. Regardless, don't take chances with your brakes. They usually aren't that great to begin with.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Nov 16, 2016
I plan on replacing the brakes on the rear axle in the spring anyway.

Anybody know who has a good price on 7000lb, 8-lug brake assemblies?
remdog_1
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
Had same issue last year. When I pulled the suspect hub, the magnet was lying in bottom of drum. Scarred it so bad had to replace it, luckily wiring was ok, The clip for magnet was completely gone. I would check it out
wgriswold
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
Lynnmor wrote:
Yes, you can get clips. clips

I would NOT replace the brakes IF they are in good condition. If the drum surface has mated well with the magnet, it would be best to not disturb it. The brake friction material was better in the good old days.

What problems/symptoms would the missing clips cause? I suppose that the loose magnet might bounce around, hitting the drum interior surface.
wgriswold
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
mkirsch wrote:

As I started to adjust the brakes and tighten them down, I could hear a distinct clackety-clack noise once per revolution coming from the drums.

I should have responded to your problem, rather than mine.

On a recent trip my brakes on one wheel started to make a screeching noise. I took the TT to a mechanic and they found that the offending brake system was missing the magnet clip. The supposition was that the clip was caught between the shoe and drum and making the noise. There was a small, 1/4" diameter, piece missing from the leading edge of the rear shoe. The other side of that axle was also missing its clip.

Perhaps you have a loose clip making that noise.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
wgriswold wrote:
I have two brakes with missing magnetic retainer clips and the mechanic said not to worry about it. I am worrying. Is that a problem? Can I get new clips?

Maybe I should just replace the brakes since they are 16 years old.

Yes, you can get clips. clips

I would NOT replace the brakes IF they are in good condition. If the drum surface has mated well with the magnet, it would be best to not disturb it. The brake friction material was better in the good old days.
drsteve
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
Maybe I should just replace the brakes since they are 16 years old.

It's the only way to go. You can buy new brake assemblies--backing plate, shoes, magnets, the works--for around $35 each.
wgriswold
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
I have two brakes with missing magnetic retainer clips and the mechanic said not to worry about it. I am worrying. Is that a problem? Can I get new clips?

Maybe I should just replace the brakes since they are 16 years old.

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