Umair Gaines
Electric trailer brake shoes are an essential component of your vehicle's braking system, and regular inspection and maintenance are crucial for safe operation. This guide will outline the steps to replace electric trailer brake shoes, ensuring optimal braking performance and your peace of mind while on the road. Whether you're dealing with a blown seal, worn-out brake shoes, or simply performing a precautionary upgrade, understanding the process will empower you to take control of your trailer's maintenance and get back to safe towing.
Characteristics and Values Table for Replacing Electric Trailer Brake Shoes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace | When the shoe pad thickness reaches 1/16 of an inch or less |
| When to replace | If the brake shoes have been exposed to grease |
| Adjustment | Raise the trailer and secure it on jack stands. Do not lift or support the trailer on the axle or suspension system. |
| Tools | Dependent on the make and model of the trailer. For example, a Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brake may require a tool to adjust the exposed teeth of the adjustment wheel |
| Parts | Dependent on the make and model of the trailer. For example, a 6-lug 4,400 lb trailer hub/drum would require part #8-407-5UC3-EZ, which includes bearings, races, and a seal |
| Upgrades | It is recommended to upgrade to a more common size for greater stopping power, e.g. from 10 x 1-3/4" to 10 x 2-1/4" brakes |
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What You'll Learn
Raising the trailer and adjusting brakes
When raising the trailer, you must consider the axle type and how much work you are willing to put in. If your trailer has a drop axle, you can replace it with a straight axle to gain some lift. Ensure that the new axle is the right specification for your trailer. If your axle is mounted to the top of your trailer's leaf springs, you can try mounting it to the bottom of the leaf springs instead.
However, do not attempt to raise your trailer by turning a drop axle upside down. This will disrupt the operation of your axle's axle tube. If you require a significant height increase, it may be more cost-effective to sell your current trailer and purchase one with a higher ride height.
After raising the trailer, you will need to adjust the brakes. The correct setting for your trailer brake controller depends on the load. You should adjust the brakes so that the trailer slows the towing vehicle without locking the trailer tires. Test the brakes at 25-30 mph. Keep increasing the brake adjuster until the trailer's wheels lock, then decrease the adjustment. You want to be able to just barely feel the trailer slowing the truck, not the truck slowing the trailer.
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Brake shoe pad thickness and when to replace
The brake shoe pad thickness varies depending on the vehicle. For example, the shoe pad thickness of the Dexter 12" Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Assembly #23-458 is 3/16 of an inch, and Dexter recommends replacing the shoes once the material reaches 1/16 of an inch or less. Typically, a new brake pad is around 10mm thick.
Brake pads are made of two parts: the metal back plate and the friction pad. Over time, the friction pad wears down, reducing the brake's effectiveness. The brakes could overheat due to the decreased friction material, which results in reduced heat dissipation. Therefore, it is recommended to change the brake pads when there is around 3-4mm of friction material remaining. If the friction material is exhausted, the metal back plate will press on the disc, causing vibrations and rumbling when applying the brakes.
The frequency of brake pad replacement also depends on usage. On average, the brake pad thickness will reach 3 to 4mm after 50,000 miles, but this can vary depending on how aggressively and frequently the brakes are used. Some brake pad materials also last longer than others.
It is essential to regularly check the thickness of the brake pads and replace them before they reach the minimum recommended thickness. In the UK, the legal minimum thickness is 1.5mm, but most manufacturers and mechanics suggest replacing them at 3mm. If the friction material wears down to 2mm, the metal wear indicator may be exposed, causing a squealing sound. At this point, braking performance may suffer, and there is an increased risk of damage to the brake rotors.
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Grease on brake shoes
If grease gets on the brake shoes of your trailer, it is recommended that you replace them to ensure proper braking. This is because cleaning the shoes can be very tricky, and sometimes it is impossible to get the shoes completely clean.
When it comes to lubricating brake shoes, there are differing opinions. Some people say that a little grease on the contact points can help prevent squeaking and extend the life of the braking components. However, others argue that grease is unnecessary and can even be detrimental. Ordinary lubricants like grease can melt at high temperatures, potentially dripping onto other components of the braking system and rendering them ineffective. Therefore, it is recommended to use a brake lubricant that is specifically designed to withstand the unique conditions under which brakes operate.
If you choose to use grease on your brake shoes, it is important to use a high-temperature grease or anti-seize grease that can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply a small amount of grease to the contact points, such as the backing plate's raised pads that support the shoes, and avoid lubricating the inside of the drum where the shoes contact it.
Additionally, it is important to note that grease can attract dust and migrate to unwanted areas. It can also become contaminated and dry out over time, especially in dirty and high-temperature environments. As a result, some people prefer to avoid using grease on brake shoes altogether.
Overall, while a small amount of grease on the contact points of brake shoes may provide some benefits, it is important to use the appropriate type of grease and apply it correctly to avoid potential issues.
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Adjusting Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes
Firstly, it's crucial to raise the trailer and securely place it on jack stands with adequate capacity. Ensure that the wheel and drum can rotate freely during this step. Do not attempt to lift or support the trailer using any part of the axle or suspension system.
The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes offer the convenience of manual adjustment. To begin the manual adjustment, locate the exposed teeth of the adjustment wheel, which are typically found just under the lever. A tool with a fine edge, such as a flat-head screwdriver, is ideal for this task. A brake adjustment tool might be too thick for the exposed teeth.
It's important to note that without an initial manual adjustment, the brakes may take a few applications to self-adjust. If it's safe to do so, performing a few hard braking attempts can help speed up the self-adjustment process.
The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brake kits are known for their ease of installation and compatibility with various trailer models. They are self-adjusting, which means less maintenance work for you. Always refer to the instructions provided with your specific kit to ensure a proper adjustment procedure.
Remember to check the brake shoe pad thickness and replace the shoes if they fall below the recommended thickness. For example, on the Dexter 12" Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Assembly #23-458, the recommended replacement thickness is 1/16 of an inch.
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Upgrading brake assembly size
Upgrading the brake assembly size of your trailer can significantly improve its braking performance. When it comes to upgrading, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of your trailer and choose the appropriate brake assembly size to match. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for upgrading the brake assembly size:
First, determine the current size of your brake assembly. This includes measuring the diameter of the brake rotor and the thickness of the brake pads. It's important to refer to the specifications provided by the manufacturer to ensure compatibility and make informed decisions about upgrades.
Next, assess the performance of your current brake system. Pay attention to any signs of overheating or thermal distress, such as heat-checking or other visible signs of heat damage on the rotors. Overheating issues may indicate that an upgrade is necessary to improve heat dissipation and prevent future problems.
When upgrading the brake assembly size, consider the benefits of larger rotors and calipers. Increasing the rotor diameter, for example, from 10 x 1-3/4" to 10 x 2-1/4", can provide greater stopping power, which is ideal for axles with higher load capacities. Larger calipers, on the other hand, provide more clamp force, resulting in increased brake torque. This shift in torque distribution can impact the balance of the braking system, so it's important to ensure that any upgrade aligns with the original design intentions and doesn't compromise vehicle stability.
Additionally, keep in mind that upgrading the brake assembly may require replacing other components as well. For instance, when changing the size of the brake assembly, it is recommended to replace the hub/drum simultaneously to ensure proper surface alignment with the new braking assembly.
Finally, consider upgrading to stainless steel brake lines for a more responsive braking experience. Stainless steel lines resist fluid expansion, ensuring that your pedal input translates into immediate braking action without wasting any travel distance.
Remember, upgrading the brake assembly size can enhance performance, but it's crucial to strike a balance between the various components to maintain system stability and effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
You should replace your electric trailer brake shoes if the shoe pad thickness is less than or equal to 1/16 of an inch.
Before adjusting or replacing your electric trailer brake shoes, you should raise the trailer and secure it on adequate capacity jack stands. Do not lift or support the trailer on any part of the axle or suspension system.
If your electric trailer brake shoes have been exposed to grease, you should replace them. Cleaning the shoes can be very difficult, and in some cases, it may be impossible to get them completely clean.
You should get electric trailer brake shoes that are the same size as the ones you are replacing. If you are unable to find the same size, you can consider upgrading to a larger size, such as 10 x 2-1/4" brakes, which will provide greater stopping power.
