How would I know when to replace my trailer's electric brakes or brake parts?
Sometimes repairing a brake can be too time consuming and expensive to be practical. In these cases, we recommend replacing the complete assembly. Hanna Trailer Supply is your best resource to find your replacement brake assembly, individual brake parts, new brakes for a trailer build, or if you are in need of brake service and repair.
When To Replace Brake Hardware:
- When worn or weak return springs cause the brake linings to drag against the drum, replacement is recommended. This can lead to total brake failure if left unchecked.
- When hold-down springs lose their tension, the brake shoes will wobble or ride up against the face of the brake drum, replacement is recommended. This will cause brake lining failure if not resolved.
- When an adjusting screw is frozen and does not allow brake shoes to be adjusted properly, replacement is recommended.
- When rubber dust plugs crack from age and wear, they allow dirt to contaminate linings. Replacement is recommended.
- When the self-adjusting cable is stretched preventing the self-adjusting lever from properly aligning the shoes, replacement is recommended.
Selecting Electric Brake Parts:
- Determine the size of your brake.
- Measure the diameter of the mounted brake shoe.
- Measure the width of the lining.
- Determine the manufacturer of your brake.
- Select the brake you have by looking at the key identification points shown in the drawing below.
- A Hanna Trailer Supply brake specialist can also help you find the brake assembly or part that you need.
When selecting new brake assemblies, you can determine the right or left side brake assembly on the shelf by positioning the brake with the magnet at the bottom. On electric brakes, the actuating arm will always curve from the pivot pin to the magnet, toward the left for left hand brakes and toward the right for right hand brakes (See Below).
