Replacing brakes that been removed

[Mike Robinson]

I recently purchased a boat and trailer and took off one hub to check brakes (surge type) to find that they have been removed! How big a job will it be to repace them? (tandem axle) <br /><br />Thanks in advance

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

Hey Mike, welcome to iboats!!!<br /><br />Stupid question #1 - Did you pull off all 4 wheels? Are you sure that the brakes are on one axle only? (I told you it was a stupid question ).<br /><br />Stupid question #2 - Are the backing plates still there?<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

Thank you Dunaruna!<br /><br />#1 I didn't pull off all 4 wheels but I looked into the holes where you can adjust the brakes and there is nothing there.<br /><br />#2 If the backing plates are the square piece at the end of the axle then yes they are there.<br /><br />On the hub I pulled off the slave cylinder is still ther but I doubt it is usable.<br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

Originally posted by Mike Robinson:<br />I looked into the holes where you can adjust the brakes and there is nothing there..................<br />On the hub I pulled off the slave cylinder is still ther but I doubt it is usable.<br />

Understood. <br /><br />The shoes and adjuster are missing (and springs/clips etc). What about the fluid lines, brake drums and the master cylinder?<br /><br />You need to tear it down and take an inventory of what is missing, shouldn't be hard to fix if you are handy with the tools. Pics might help.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

Looks as if you have lots of missing parts, Ijust installed stainless disc brakes on my 1999 trailer which originally had drums, I would never go back to the old ones, but I cannot tell you a source down under. My brakes only cost USD 120 <br />each wheel, and they are much more efficient, although, you cannot back up without locking out the master cylinder . Good Luck, Mate.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

If you don't know what backing plates are, you're gonna need some help. You can find some good information by doing a web search on "trailer brakes" or something simmilar.<br /><br />A tandem axle trailer may have had brakes on only one axle. It could be either one. There will be a brake line going to each wheel that has brakes unless it was removed also. Also, if it had drum brakes, the braking axle(s) will have brake drums and any non-braking axle will have only hubs.<br /><br />By far, the easiest way to repair or replace drum brakes is by purchasing and installing a complete brake set available at your favorite marine center. It consists of a pair of backing plates (left and right) assembled with cylinders, shoes, springs, etc.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Remove the wheels and drums, disconnect the brake lines, remove the backing plates, install the new ones, reconnect and bleed the brake lines, reinstall the drums and wheels, and adjust. You may as well service or replace the bearings while you are at it, you have to take them apart anyway.<br /><br />In your case, the brake fluid (if there's any left) may have been contaminated so you might want to flush the lines before you connect your new brakes. The master cylinder may need service also if ther was moisture in the system.<br /><br />If you don't know about brakes and are not mechanically inclined, you may want to pay a pro to do this and just learn how to maintain the system once it's put back in working condition.<br /><br />You do need brakes, especially on a tandem trailer where the load is certainly over 3,000 lb. Only a fool would remove trailer brakes, it's a legal and a safety issue. Get them fixed ASAP.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

Thank you all for your responses.<br /><br />The brake lines to all 4 wheels and master cylinder are all there but the master cylinder was dry when I was finally able to get the cap off to inspect it. I replaced the brake fluid and it seems to pump. When I went to bleed the lines I discovered the missing brakes. The bearings on the wheel I removed appear to be in very good condition. The boat and motors have been well maintained so you can imagine my suprise to find the trailer had no brakes.<br /><br />The boat is a 19 1/2 foot welded aluminum with a cabin with no aft bulkhead. There is no galley, head, or cuddy cabin. It has a 150 Johnson and a 9.9 Yamaha 4 stroke kicker and an internal 40 Imperial Gallon gas tank. Anyone able to make a wild guess on what such a boat might weigh and whether I need brakes on all 4 wheels? (I live on a remote island with no highway scales.) The manufacturer of the boat is no longer in business.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

By the way, anyone able to recommend a brake supplier in Canada?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

That boat Doesn't sound heavy enough to even Need brakes,........<br />Much Less All 4 Wheels...........<br /><br />I Bet your Under a ton.........ton,+ a 1/4 Maybe.........

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

Thanks Bondo<br /><br />Maybe my next step is to find out what is legally required here in British Columbia and take it from there.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

I found the information on Roadmaster Inc. web site. It lists requirements for all the states and provinces. The requirement for B.C. is for trailers over 3086 lbs. to have brakes. So it sounds like maybe I don't need brakes for my boat and maybe thats why they were removed instead of repaired. I have to admit that I would feel better having brakes though, especially when one of the places I like to go fishing involves going down a 25% grade on a gravel road.<br /><br />Any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacing brakes that been removed

Put a set on the leading axle,+ cap off the line going to the rear axle if you wish........