Trystan Casey
Electric trailer brake magnets are essential for ensuring your trailer can stop effectively. However, they can wear out over time, and you may need to replace them. This paragraph will discuss the signs that indicate it's time to replace your electric trailer brake magnets and provide an overview of the replacement process. It will also highlight some troubleshooting tips to help you identify any issues with your trailer brakes. By the end of this paragraph, you should have a better understanding of how to maintain and replace your electric trailer brake magnets when necessary.
Characteristics and Values of Electric Trailer Brake Magnet Replacement
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace | When there are visible signs of wear on the magnets, such as exposed windings, or when the magnets fail without visible signs of wear |
| Inspection methods | Checking for exposed windings, using a straight edge tool to check for pitting or changes in the magnet's surface, inspecting for grease or oil residue, and using a multimeter to test amperage and ohms |
| Replacement options | Replacing just the magnet or the entire assembly |
| Parts required | Replacement magnet kit, electric trailer brake kit, or individual components such as brake pads and shoes |
| Troubleshooting | Checking for electrical issues, inspecting ground connections, testing with a battery, and consulting trailer repair/supply stores |
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What You'll Learn
Check for visible signs of wear and exposed windings
When checking for wear on your electric trailer brake magnets, it is important to look for any visible signs of wear and tear, especially exposed windings. If the windings are exposed, this is a clear indication that the magnet will need to be replaced.
However, it is important to note that magnets can also fail without showing any visible signs of wear and tear. So, if there are no visible signs of wear and the windings are not exposed, it doesn't necessarily mean that the magnets are in good condition. There could still be an issue with the magnets that is not visible to the eye. Therefore, further testing may be required to properly diagnose the condition of the magnets.
To check for exposed windings, carefully inspect the friction surface of the magnet for any signs of wear or degradation. If the windings are beginning to show through the surface, this is an indication that the magnet is worn out and will need to be replaced. The windings are the internal coils of wire within the magnet, so if these are visible, it means that the protective coating or covering of the magnet has worn away.
In addition to checking for exposed windings, you can also look for other signs of abnormal wear on the magnets. This may include any physical damage, such as cracks, chips, or other types of damage to the surface of the magnet. If the magnet appears to be damaged or worn down in any way, it is likely that it will need to be replaced.
It is also important to check the wear indicators on the magnet. These are small holes on the face of the magnet that is in contact with the brake drum. If you cannot see these wear indicators, or if there are fewer than four, it is an indication that the magnet needs to be replaced. Once the wear indicators are no longer visible, it means that the copper within the magnet is exposed, which can cause an open electrical circuit and render your brakes useless.
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Test with a multimeter to determine amperage
To test with a multimeter to determine amperage, you must first ensure the multimeter is configured correctly. Push the black probe into the "COM" socket and the red probe into the "A" socket. Make sure the multimeter is set to the range of the amperage you are testing. Check the nameplate on your battery or breaker to determine its maximum amps, and ensure the meter is rated for the number of amps travelling through the circuit. You can find the maximum amps the multimeter can handle on the back of the device or in the instruction manual.
Before you begin, turn off the power and break the circuit you are testing. Once the power to the circuit has been turned off, attach the red probe on the multimeter to the negative terminal of the power supply. Then, touch the black probe to the negative wire and turn on the circuit. If you are testing in a car, do not start the car, and do not try to turn on any fans, lights, or anything else in the vehicle, as you could overload the meter.
After the probes are connected, turn on the power switch and wait for approximately one minute until the current stabilizes. The multimeter will then display the measured amperage. Be mindful of other devices in the circuit and avoid starting them unless necessary, as it can pose an overload risk to the multimeter.
If you are working with a battery-powered circuit, you will need to find the positive wire coming from the electrical component you are testing and attach it to the black multimeter probe. If you broke the circuit by disconnecting the wires, power will be restored once you touch the black probe to the wire. If you turned off the power with a breaker or a switch, turn it back on. Leave the probes in place for about a minute as you read the meter.
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Inspect for grease or oil residue
When inspecting for grease or oil residue on your electric trailer brake magnets, it is important to thoroughly examine the magnets for any signs of contamination. Grease or oil residue on the magnets can significantly impact their performance and safety.
Firstly, check the four small holes on the face of the magnet, known as the "wear indicators". These holes are located on the side of the magnet that comes into contact with the brake drum. If these holes are blocked or filled with grease or oil, it is an indication that the magnet needs to be replaced.
Next, inspect the surface of the magnet for any grease or oil residue. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the magnet's surface gently. If you notice any grease or oil stains or residue, it is recommended to replace the magnet. Even a small amount of contamination can affect the magnet's performance.
Additionally, pay close attention to the edges and surfaces of the magnet. Any pitting, abnormal wear, or changes in the magnet's surface texture may indicate grease or oil contamination. If you suspect the presence of grease or oil, it is best to replace the magnet to ensure optimal braking performance.
Finally, if your trailer has been used extensively or in demanding conditions, such as frequent downhill driving, inspect the axle and surrounding components for signs of grease or oil leakage. Overheating of the axle due to heavy use can cause grease to run into the drum and contaminate the magnets and brake linings. Identifying the source of any grease or oil residue will help prevent future contamination and ensure the safe operation of your trailer.
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Check the four small 'wear indicator' holes
When replacing electric trailer brake magnets, it is important to check the four small wear indicator holes. These holes are located on the face of the magnet that is in contact with the brake drum. These wear indicators are crucial for assessing the condition of the magnet and determining whether it needs to be replaced.
To check the wear indicator holes, first, locate the magnet's face, which is the side that comes into contact with the brake drum. On this side, you should see four small holes, which are the wear indicators. If these holes are no longer visible or if there are fewer than four holes, it is a clear sign that the magnet needs to be replaced.
The wear indicator holes provide a visual indication of the wear level of the magnet. Over time, as the magnet comes into contact with the brake drum during braking, the centre of the magnet hole may start to wear down. If the centre of the magnet hole appears worn, it is advisable to replace the magnet. In some cases, you may also need to replace the lever associated with the magnet.
It is important to always bed new magnets before regular use. This process helps to ensure optimal performance and safety. Additionally, regular inspection of the wear indicator holes is crucial to identify potential issues. Once the wear indicators are no longer visible, the copper beneath may become exposed. This exposure can lead to an open electric circuit, rendering the brakes useless and compromising safety. Therefore, checking the wear indicator holes is a vital step in maintaining the proper functioning of electric trailer brake magnets.
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Consider replacing the entire assembly
While it is possible to replace just the magnet, it is highly recommended to replace the entire assembly. This is because it is cost-effective and can save you labour costs in the future. When one component of the assembly breaks, the others are likely to break soon after. Replacing the entire assembly with a kit, such as the Electric Trailer Brake Kit, is a great way to save money and effort in the long run.
When checking if your trailer brake magnets need replacing, look for any visible signs of wear on the magnets, such as exposed windings. If the windings are visible, then you know it's time to replace the magnet. However, magnets can also fail without any visible signs of wear.
To identify if your electric brake magnets need replacing, you can check the four small holes on the face of the magnet (the side that is in contact with the brake drum). These are known as "wear indicators". If you cannot see the wear indicator holes, or if there are fewer than four, you need to replace the magnet. Additionally, if the centre of the magnet hole has worn down, you will need to replace the magnet and possibly the lever as well.
It is important to always bed new magnets before regular use. If the wear indicators are no longer visible, the copper underneath may become exposed, which can cause an open electric circuit and render your brakes useless.
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Frequently asked questions
If there are any visible signs of wear and tear on the magnets, such as exposed windings, then it's time to replace them. However, magnets can also fail without showing any visible signs of wear, so it's important to regularly inspect and test them.
You can use a multimeter that reads amps and ohms to test your trailer brake magnets. You can also use a Tekonsha P3, which has built-in test functions. If the amperage is greater than the specified amount, replace the magnet(s). If the reading is less than specified, the leads are bad and the magnet(s) should be replaced.
An impaired brake magnet can lead to weak or surging brakes, or cause the brakes to pull to one side. If the brakes are not grabbing at full power, this could be a sign of a faulty magnet.
In this case, it is possible to replace just the magnet. However, it is recommended to replace the entire assembly as it can be more cost-effective and save you labour in the long run.
Magnets draw roughly 3.2 amps each. Wires can be connected either positively or negatively. Always bed new magnets before regular use.
