Wiktor Wise
Electric trailer brake magnets are an essential component of your vehicle's braking system, and knowing when and how to replace them is crucial for your safety. While brake magnets typically show visible signs of wear, such as exposed windings, they can also fail without any obvious indications. This guide will help you identify when your trailer brake magnets need replacement and provide step-by-step instructions on how to change them, ensuring your trailer's brakes are in optimal condition for safe towing.
Characteristics and Values Table for Changing Electric Trailer Brake Magnets
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signs of Wear | Exposed windings, missing wear indicators, copper exposure, magnet fell off |
| Troubleshooting | Check for visible signs of wear, test magnets, check battery condition |
| Replacement Options | Replace entire assembly, replace just the magnet and actuating arm, replace both left and right assemblies |
| Parts | Replacement Magnet Kit for 12" Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies, Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies, Dexter 10 x 2-1/4 inch assemblies |
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What You'll Learn
- Check for wear indicators: look for four small holes on the magnet's face
- Exposed windings or worn centres indicate the need for replacement
- Bed new magnets before use to avoid open electric circuits
- Replacing the entire assembly may be more cost-effective than single magnets
- Identify the correct replacement parts for your trailer's brake assembly
Check for wear indicators: look for four small holes on the magnet's face
Changing electric trailer brake magnets can be a tricky task. To determine whether your trailer brake magnets need replacing, you should check for wear indicators. This involves looking for four small holes on the face of the magnet that is in contact with the brake drum. These holes are known as "wear indicators". If you cannot see these holes, or if there are fewer than four holes, it is an indication that your magnet needs replacing.
The process of checking for wear indicators is a crucial step in maintaining the safety and functionality of your trailer brakes. By inspecting the magnet face for these small holes, you can identify any abnormal wear or erosion that may impact the performance of your brakes. This proactive approach ensures that you can address any potential issues before they compromise the effectiveness of your braking system.
It is important to note that magnets can also fail without visible signs of wear. In some cases, the windings of the magnet may begin to show through the friction surface, indicating a need for replacement. However, magnets can deteriorate without exhibiting any external signs of degradation. Therefore, it is recommended to perform additional tests to thoroughly evaluate the condition of your trailer brake magnets.
To further assess the condition of your trailer brake magnets, you can utilise a multimeter to check the amperage of your trailer braking system. This test will help you determine if the magnets are functioning properly or if they require replacement. By connecting the ammeter inline with the wire exiting the brake controller, you can analyse the amperage and identify any potential issues.
By combining visual inspections, such as checking for wear indicators, with diagnostic tests like amperage checks, you can make informed decisions about maintaining and replacing your trailer brake magnets. This comprehensive approach ensures the ongoing reliability and safety of your trailer brakes.
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Exposed windings or worn centres indicate the need for replacement
Electric trailer brake magnets are essential for ensuring safe and effective braking. Over time, these magnets can wear down and require replacement. Exposed windings are a clear sign that your trailer brake magnets need to be replaced. This occurs when the friction surface of the magnet wears down, revealing the underlying windings. If you notice any winding exposed, it's important to replace the magnet as soon as possible.
While exposed windings are a tell-tale sign, it's important to note that magnets can also fail without visible signs of wear. In some cases, the centre of the magnet may wear down, indicating the need for replacement. This is often accompanied by issues with the lever, which may also require attention. Therefore, it is recommended to inspect the lever for any signs of damage or abnormal wear.
To identify if your trailer brake magnets require replacement due to worn centres, there are several key indicators to look out for. Firstly, examine the four small holes on the face of the magnet, also known as "wear indicators". If these holes are no longer visible or if there are fewer than four holes present, it's a clear sign that the magnet needs to be replaced. Additionally, if the centre of the magnet hole appears worn, it's an indication that the magnet is no longer effective and needs to be replaced.
When replacing trailer brake magnets, it is generally recommended to replace the entire assembly. This is because individual components tend to fail in quick succession, and replacing the entire assembly can save costs and labour in the long run. However, if you choose to replace just the magnet, ensure you select the appropriate replacement kit that matches the size and specifications of your trailer brakes.
In summary, exposed windings or worn centres are critical indicators that your trailer brake magnets need attention. To ensure safe and reliable braking, it's important to regularly inspect your magnets for any signs of wear and replace them when necessary. By following the guidelines provided, you can help maintain the braking system's effectiveness and ensure a safer towing experience.
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Bed new magnets before use to avoid open electric circuits
Electric trailer brake magnets are an essential component of your trailer's braking system. They work by magnetizing and attaching to the side of the drum, pulling the armature around to engage the brake shoe with the drum, ultimately slowing down the trailer. Over time, these brake magnets can wear out and need to be replaced.
To ensure optimal performance and safety, it is crucial to bed new magnets before regular use. Bedding in new magnets is a process of gradually wearing them into the optimal shape for your brake drums. This process is necessary because new brake magnets have a uniform shape that needs to be adjusted to match the unique contours of your brake drums. Without bedding, the magnets may not make full contact with the brake drums, resulting in reduced braking efficiency.
Additionally, bedding new magnets help prevent open electric circuits, a critical safety concern. When a magnet is new, it has four small holes on its surface, known as "wear indicators." These holes are filled with copper. Over time, as the magnet rubs against the brake drum, these wear indicators gradually disappear. If the wear indicators are no longer visible, exposing the copper, it can lead to an open electric circuit, rendering your brakes useless. Therefore, bedding new magnets help preserve the integrity of the wear indicators, ensuring the copper remains intact and reducing the risk of electrical issues.
To bed new magnets properly, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines. Typically, this process involves gradually breaking in the new magnets by using the trailer for shorter distances initially and gradually increasing the usage over time. This allows the magnets to adjust and wear into the unique shape of your brake drums. It is also essential to regularly inspect the magnets and ensure there are no signs of excessive wear or damage. By bedding in new magnets before regular use, you can enhance the performance and longevity of your trailer's braking system while also minimizing the risk of electrical issues.
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Replacing the entire assembly may be more cost-effective than single magnets
When it comes to electric trailer brake magnets, there are a few key signs that indicate when they need to be replaced. These include visible signs of wear and tear, such as exposed windings on the magnets, or the absence of "wear indicator" holes on the face of the magnet. In some cases, magnets can fail without any visible signs of wear, so it is important to regularly check their functionality.
While it is possible to replace just the magnet, it is often more cost-effective to replace the entire assembly. This is because when one component fails, others are likely to follow suit in quick succession. By replacing the entire assembly, you can save on labour costs in the long run and avoid potential headaches down the road. For example, if you have a 12" electric trailer brake, you can opt for a replacement magnet kit, or you can choose to replace the entire assembly with a kit like the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies.
The decision to replace individual magnets or the entire assembly may also depend on the specific make and model of your trailer. For instance, if your trailer has a mobile home axle with welded-on shoes, it may be safer and more practical to replace the entire axle rather than just the magnets. Additionally, if your trailer has a unique configuration, such as threaded ports for wheel bolts instead of the standard studs, finding compatible replacement parts can be challenging. In such cases, it may be more feasible to replace the entire assembly to ensure compatibility and proper functionality.
It is important to consult a professional mechanic or a reputable trailer maintenance source to determine the best course of action for your specific trailer. They can assess the condition of your trailer brakes and provide guidance on whether to replace individual magnets or opt for a complete assembly replacement. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of brake components are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of your trailer.
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Identify the correct replacement parts for your trailer's brake assembly
To identify the correct replacement parts for your trailer's brake assembly, you need to determine the specifications of your current brake system. Here are the steps you can follow:
Firstly, identify the manufacturer and size of the brakes on your trailer. This information may be stamped into the metal on the backside of the backing plate. Knowing the year of the brakes may also be necessary in some cases.
Next, measure the diameter of the mounted shoe assemblies across the front centre, and then measure the width of the shoe lining. This will give you the size of your brakes. Also, determine the number of mounting bolts on your brake assembly by counting the mounting holes or studs.
Inspect the magnets for any signs of wear or damage. Look for exposed windings, pinched or frayed wires, and abnormal wear on the friction surface of the magnet. If the magnet shows signs of wear or if the windings are exposed, it will need to be replaced. Additionally, check the number of “wear indicator” holes on the face of the magnet (the side in contact with the brake drum). If there are fewer than four holes or if they are not visible, the magnet needs to be replaced.
If your trailer has self-adjusting brake assemblies, they may need manual adjustments over time. You can do this by manually turning the adjuster until the wheel cannot turn, and then backing off the adjuster until the wheel spins freely. A properly adjusted brake will have a slight constant drag on the shoes.
Finally, test the brake magnets with an ammeter or ohmmeter to determine if they are functioning correctly. To test with an ammeter, disconnect the trailer and connect the ammeter between the positive battery terminal of a separate battery and one of the magnet wires. Then, connect the other magnet wire to the negative battery terminal. If the amperage is greater than the specified amount, the magnet needs to be replaced. To test with an ohmmeter, disconnect the negative wire from the brake magnet wire and connect it to the base of the brake magnet. If there is any amperage, the magnet is shorted and needs replacement. Additionally, check the resistance between the brake magnet wires using an ohmmeter. If the resistance is not within the specified range, the magnet will need replacement.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to identify if your trailer brake magnets need to be replaced. Firstly, check for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as exposed windings. Secondly, look at the four small holes (known as "wear indicators") on the face of the magnet that is in contact with the brake drum. If you cannot see these holes or if there are fewer than four, the magnet needs to be replaced. Lastly, if the centre of the magnet hole has worn down, it's time for a replacement.
One sign that your trailer brake magnets might be failing is weak braking performance. This could be due to worn-out brake magnets or other issues with the braking system. It is recommended to consult a professional or refer to a troubleshooting guide for further diagnosis.
While it is possible to replace only the trailer brake magnet, it is generally recommended to replace the entire assembly. This is because other components may start to fail soon after one component gives out, leading to additional costs and labour in the future.
