TT brakes ? for mechanical types.....

[Big_steve]

Just got a Jayco 27 ft trailer. Can low (but not metal to metal) brake pads just be replaced? Or do the drums need to be turned, like a car?

[Big_steve]

Good advice, thanks everyone.

[DFord]

Electric Trailer Brakes According to Dexter Axle

The magnets physically wear out as they do their work. The brakeshoes press against the outer part of the drum but the magnets get sucked against the vertical part of the drum. The harder the braking, the more the magnets wear. When you replace the shoes, replace the magnets too. May as well replace the whole backing plate and be done with it. Checking the current they draw checks their electric worthiness but checking their thickness is also a must. If they're wearing unevenly, replace them. Dexter knows electric brakes read through their manual.

[Big_steve]

jfkmk wrote:
Are you sure you need brakes? The shoes on trailers don’t have nearly the meat a vehicle does.

I just got the trailer and intend to look at the brakes and bearings soon. Just trying to get my ducks in a row before I dig in. I said not "metal to metal" because I don't hear any squealing.

[jfkmk]

Are you sure you need brakes? The shoes on trailers don’t have nearly the meat a vehicle does.

[Lynnmor]

Drums don’t need to be turned unless they are grooved or not running true, just like a car. The problem with turning trailer drums is that the armature face should also be trued and only 1/32” material removal is allowed. Few mechanics can do it properly and get the high finish that is specified.

[DFord]

Check the prices for the whole backing plate with new magnets and shoes.

https://www.easternmarine.com/trailer-brakes

https://www.easternmarine.com/electric-trailer-brake-assemblies

[MFL]

I would not worry too much about turning/replacing the drums. You can replace just the shoes, but it doesn't cost much more to replace the complete backing plate assembly. On trailers, often times new drums are not round to begin with.

Jerry