How difficult to install new brake drums

[Taffy_C]

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.

[time2roll]

If I was replacing the entire assembly I would go with disk brake conversion.
Actually I did this a couple years ago.

[deltabravo]

Fisherman wrote:
I'm surprised no one said to buy a new trailer because the ash tray was full.

Or when the black tank was full.. LOL

[Fisherman]

I'm surprised no one said to buy a new trailer because the ash tray was full.

[Taffy_C]

Really appreciate this help! Thanks very much to all.

[wing_zealot]

Edd505 wrote:
Thinking if you need to ask you should likely need help. Brakes are not something to mess with, everyone's life depends on you being able to stop.

Everyone, even the most experienced, has a first time. And with the internet, utube, and the rest it makes easier then ever to learn how.

[Edd505]

Thinking if you need to ask you should likely need help. Brakes are not something to mess with, everyone's life depends on you being able to stop.

[opnspaces]

Almost any brake shop or even a Napa with a machine shop can measure the drums to see if they are worn out.

But just think about this. Most every car with 200,000 miles on it is still running the original rear brake drums.

If the brakes don't seem to work well you need to investigate the brake system (adjustment,wiring, 7 pin socket and controller)

Easy check, plug your trailer up to the tow vehicle and have somebody step on the brake pedal. Walk around and see if there is a hum or buzz from every wheel. No hum or buzz means no electrical to that wheel.

[deltabravo]

Here's a few more of my videos and brakes and bearings:

Trailer brake and bearing inspection | 7x12 Cargo Trailer Maintenance

DEXTER NEV-R-ADJUST Trailer Brakes and How They Work

When I replaced the brakes on the black trailer in the first video, I went to the self adjusting brakes, which is the project in the second video. I will never go back to manual adjusting brakes again.

[deltabravo]

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

[Old-Biscuit]

How To.....


Dexter Service Manual


Watch video, read up, jump in and get it done

[prichardson]

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.

[Loganhorse]

Before replacing anything I would make sure you are getting voltage to the magnets.

[colliehauler]

Would replace the whole brake assembly or as someone suggested would be a good time to upgrade the axle .

[Loganhorse]

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

[Taffy_C]

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.