How To Install New Trailer Brakes and Drums

#thetrailersmith #trailerbrakes #installbrakes
In this video, the TrailerSmith will walk you through a step-by-step process for installing a new brake and drum assembly. Stay tuned to the end to hear a quick tip for burnishing your breaks.
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[@tester1ca]

I just started searching axle/brake/bearing issues for RV trailers. Yes, I am one of those who did a yearly routine of jacking up each of the 4 wheels of a 2018 model trailer and inadvertently inserted grease into the drum. I followed the owners manual and used a hand grease gun while turning the wheel slowly pumping the grease. Apparently the rear seals failed anyways, allowing a little amount of grease to contact the magnet and drum. Mine were not as bad as I have seen here on KZbin so I can save and reuse most parts by a good cleaning. After the first time greasing the bearings in 2019 I noticed a small amount of brake fade from the year previous year but just figured the brakes needed adjusting. I adjusted them the following spring after again, adding grease and they were no better. [go figure] The brakes were not working well all last season and I was told by fellow campers about a possible seal issue so here I am. I enjoy your videos and they have been a great help in understanding removal and reinstallation of axle components. Thanks

[@brovachawslemons]

Great video! How often should this be done? Almost 2 years since I did anything with my brakes

[@TheTrailerSmith]

Hi! Thanks for watching! There really is no time frame for when to replace brakes and drums. They should be inspected annually to get a look at the wear on them. That wear is what determines whether it's necessary for replacement. So it really just depends on how often you pull the trailer and the braking system is used.

[@brovachawslemons]

@@TheTrailerSmith thanks my guy!

[@Drkhig]

How important is the right & left on the brake assembly? I just replaced dexter torflex axles and the brake labeled right was on the driver side , left was on the passenger side. I did change them to the correct side on the new axles. I had trouble with brakes locking as slow speed. After I switched brake assembly so far it seams to brake much better.

[@crasher88]

when you perform a procedure like this when you reconnect the wires for the magnets are they wired in series or parallel?

[@wynncull9415]

I love your videos, and I think you're an excellent Craftsman. That being said, please, for the love of all that is good, get some better shop rags! LOL

[@DavidSmith-fr2dv]

👍👍

[@justinlogue31]

I was always told on new bearings tighten the nut to 50 foot pounds then back it off and and then just snug the nut back up? Old bearings just snug them up. Thoughts on this method?

[@JoeL-gt1uz]

Great informational video! I have triple axle toyhauler and it needs brakes and seals.... I also want American made if there is such a thing. Is there a brand you could recommend?

[@doucetrr2007]

Thanks

[@TheTrailerSmith]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@mikeha9676]

Hi TrailerSmith, I have a 2013 travel trailer. Axles are 3,500-lb, Brakes are 10 x 1-3/4. The studs are 5 on 4-1/2. 14in tires. Everything was made by ALKO which no longer exists and parts are not available. Upgrading the brakes and drums to 10 x 2-1/4 may not possible because the original spindles may be too short and/or the new bearings a different size. Have you encountered this before? Is having the original brake shoes relined still a thing? Thanks Mike

[@aford8776]

Is it really that easy to swap between 7k and 5200 lb axles? For example; i have 5200 lb now but i want to upgrade to 7k all i have to do is swap to the 8 lug drum? The bearings are all the same?

[@TraconWizard]

I would think you're trying to go up. Asking the axle to do more than it's rated. Whereas he was asking a 7k lb axle to do less.