Beatrice Lang
Electric trailer brakes are a popular choice for many trailers, caravans, and campers due to their affordability, ease of installation, and basic design. They are also easy to adjust and service. This guide will take you through the process of pulling electric trailer brake drums, which is an essential step in the maintenance of your trailer.
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What You'll Learn
Remove the wheel/tire from the axle
To remove the wheel/tire from the axle of your trailer, you will first need to jack up the trailer. Unlike a car or truck, which is jacked up at the axle, a trailer is jacked up at the frame rail. Ramps are preferable to a jack, as they are more stable and safe. Ensure the trailer is well-supported and secure before proceeding.
Next, you will need to break loose all the lug nuts while the trailer is still on the ground. You can then jack the trailer up high enough to remove the tire(s) and support it with jack stands. It is important to never work under a jack alone; always support the axle or a nearby section of the frame rail with jack stands to protect yourself in the event that the jack fails or slips.
Once the trailer is secure, remove the wheel/tire from the axle. You may need to gently ease out any domed caps and remove the cotter pin and washer, before releasing the nut. The wheel should then pull off the spindle. There may be a loose bearing and/or race behind the nut that will come off before the wheel does. There will also be a second bearing and seal on the back side of the wheel, so place a sheet of cardboard underneath to catch any bearings that may fall out.
After removing the wheel, you will be able to access the brake drum and assembly.
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Use a screwdriver to remove the dust cap
To remove the dust cap from the axle hub, you will need a large flathead screwdriver. This step requires a lot of finesse to get done without tearing apart the dust cap. You may also need channel locks, pliers, or a mallet to help remove the dust cap. If the dust cap is damaged or does not seat neatly against the axle hub, it is best to replace it. Dust caps are inexpensive, and a good seal is desirable.
To remove the dust cap, first, locate the wheel of the trailer and loosen the lug nuts using a socket wrench. Once loosened, lift the trailer using a jack and place jack stands underneath for safety. Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel to expose the brake drum. Next, remove the dust cap from the axle hub to access the retaining nut. Use a large flathead screwdriver to pry off the dust cap. If the dust cap is older and worn, you may need to use a mallet to pop off the cap. Apply controlled outward-facing hits with the mallet while spinning the drum to loosen it gradually.
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Pull the drum off
To pull the drum off, you must first ensure that the trailer is securely lifted and supported. Use a lug wrench or an impact wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts, then pull the wheels off. It is important to keep the lug nuts in a safe place so they are not lost. Next, remove the hubcap and any other components blocking access to the brake drum, such as cotter pins and retaining nuts.
Now, you can pull the drum off. If it does not come off easily, there are a few methods you can try. One method is to use a screwdriver and rubber mallet. Slide the screwdriver beneath the flange of the drum and use the mallet to gently hammer against the top of the screwdriver handle or the drum. Be careful not to use excessive force, as you want to pry the drum away from its mounting. Another method is to use a brake drum puller. Place the three hooks of the brake drum puller evenly around the brake drum's flange and ensure that the middle screw is above the wheel hub. Use a screwdriver to tightly attach the screw, tightening it until the brake drum puller is securely fastened.
Once the drum is off, you should take the opportunity to clean it of any accumulated grime and debris. You can use a specially-formulated brake cleaner or soap and water, depending on your preference. Finally, before proceeding with any replacements, inspect the brake drum assembly for any signs of wear, such as deep grooves or scoring on the drum surface. This will help you decide if the drum needs to be replaced or if it can be resurfaced.
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Adjust the star wheel to change the clearance
Adjusting the star wheel is a common way to change the clearance of electric trailer brake drums. This is because the star wheel adjuster has directional teeth that allow for the adjustment of the clearance between the shoe and the drum.
To adjust the star wheel, first, make sure the trailer is securely suspended and the wheel can be moved and spun freely. Then, using a screwdriver or a brake adjustment spoon, rotate the star wheel inside the hole from the outside of the brake drum towards the centre of the axle. You will need to turn the star wheel up until the brakes are engaged and the wheel is difficult to turn. Then, back it off by turning it downwards about 10 clicks, or until the brake shoes are only dragging slightly. This adjustment mechanism gets longer when adjusting in one direction (pushing the shoes closer to the drum) and shorter when adjusted in the opposite direction (moving the shoes away from the drum).
You can tell if the star wheel is adjusted correctly by spinning the wheel by hand. If there is a slight drag, where the wheel spins around about one revolution and then stops on its own, the adjustment is correct. If the wheel stops sooner, it is too tight, and if it spins forever, it is too loose.
It is important to note that the rotation of the star wheel may differ depending on which side of the trailer you are working on. If turning the teeth of the star wheel downwards tightens the brake, the brake may be improperly mounted.
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Test for proper actuation
Testing for proper actuation of electric trailer brakes is essential to ensure safe and efficient braking. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:
Firstly, it is important to understand the components involved in electric trailer brake systems. These systems typically include brake drums, magnets, and a brake controller, which regulates the power sent to the brakes. The brake controller is connected to the vehicle's electrical system and the trailer's brake assembly.
To begin testing, start by inspecting the trailer's brake magnets. Pull the brake drum and check the magnets that come into contact with the armature surface of the drum. Look for any signs of wear or damage. If the magnets are worn down, you may see copper wiring through their faces, indicating that they need replacement. Worn magnets can lead to reduced braking performance and potential safety hazards.
Next, you can perform a functional test of the electric trailer brakes. For this, you will need to jack up the trailer to lift the wheels off the ground. Spin one of the trailer wheels at a moderate speed and then apply voltage to the brake system. You can do this by connecting a 12-volt battery to the brake actuators or using the brake pedal in the vehicle, depending on your setup. Observe whether the wheel stops spinning or slows down significantly. If the wheel continues to spin freely, there may be an issue with the brake actuation.
Additionally, you can test the trailer brake gain, which is the amount of power the brake controller applies to the brakes. This test should be performed while the trailer is coupled to the vehicle and moving at a speed of 25 mph. Adjust the trailer brake gain according to the manufacturer's specifications. If the vehicle stops too slowly, increase the gain, and if the brakes lock up, decrease it. This adjustment ensures that the brakes engage with the appropriate force relative to the vehicle's speed and load.
Finally, it is important to consider the wiring and connectors in the system. Ensure that the wiring is intact and free from corrosion or damage. Check the connector on the trailer side, as worn or corroded connectors can impact brake performance. Verify that the trailer wiring harness is securely plugged into the vehicle to maintain a consistent power supply to the brake controller.
By following these steps and regularly inspecting your electric trailer brake system, you can ensure proper actuation and maintain the safety and functionality of your trailer brakes.
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Frequently asked questions
To pull an electric trailer brake drum, you will need a lug wrench or an impact wrench, a jack or axle stand, a screwdriver, and a comprehensive socket set.
First, use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. Then, jack up the trailer and remove the wheel. Next, remove the hubcap and any other components blocking access to the brake drum, such as cotter pins and retaining nuts. Once these are removed, you can pull the drum off.
Check the brake drum assembly for signs of wear, such as deep grooves or scoring on the drum surface. If the drum is damaged, it may need to be replaced. Additionally, pay attention to any unusual sounds when braking, such as squealing or grinding, as these may be early warning signs of brake wear or damage.
To adjust the brake drum, rotate the wheel or drum and tighten the star wheel until you feel the brakes start to act on the drum. The brake resistance should be even, and the drum should turn smoothly without binding.
