Replacing Drum Brakes

[BoatMyAssOff]

I have a 2002 Escort Trailer and the drum brake cluster is badly rusted. While replacing the bunk carpets this weekend, I noticed a lot of grease on the inside of the wheel rim, assuming the inner bearing is leaking.

I was thinking of replacing the entire thing -> Drum + Cluster + Hub + Bearings and Break Lines.

Is this a difficult job, and do I need any special tools? How do I figure out what cluster/hub/bearings size I need?

Noob at this...been having real bad luck with service, so I'll just do it right myself.

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

Why not replace with disc brakes? they might be more expensive but will last you lots longer. Maybe you can get a model/ VIN # and contact the manufacturer or google to identify the specific hubs, bearings, and brake hoses (assuming you meant the rubber hoses that connect the metal lines to the pistons).

There are much more knowledgeable members on this subject than me so about the only thing i could add to some of those master comments is to use a camera to snap some pics during disassembly so you have a reference and good luck.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

Drum brakes sux. Punch out the residual valve in your actuator and install a set of disc brakes and be done with it. The difference in price between replacing the brake plate and hubs and installing disc brakes is labout $20 per axle.

Disc kits include very thing you need including bearings and seals.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=6720&categoryID=302

 

[BoatMyAssOff]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

Drum brakes sux. Punch out the residual valve in your actuator and install a set of disc brakes and be done with it. The difference in price between replacing the brake plate and hubs and installing disc brakes is labout $20 per axle.

Disc kits include very thing you need including bearings and seals.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=6720&categoryID=302

I was looking at that...ok, let me find out if they will fit my axle. Thanks for the info!

 

[RoyR]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

I have also changed me username to something more mature...don't know what I was thinking.

 

[RoyR]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

I belief Escort went out of business, so until I remove the hub assembly, I won't know what I've got on there....it's a 3500lbs trailer, looks like a 10" Brake Drum, 5 stud on 4.5 Hub...


Look what I found....

http://www.maxumboatparts.com/2002/trailers/output/refer.htm

http://www.maxumboatparts.com/2002/trailers/output/trailera.htm

 

[dingbat]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

The hole patterns for the brake assemblies on trailer axles are standardized. Unless you have some odd ball trailer, which you don't, you can use any of the commercially available brakes kits that have the same lug pattern of your existing wheels.

 

[RoyR]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

Ok, this is what I bought, hope it's the correct parts (for 2002 Escort trailer):

KODIAK 10" Trailer Disc Brake Assy, S-CAD
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=6721&categoryID=302

TITAN / DICO Model 60 Lever Lock Disc Actuator w/Solenoid
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=5436&categoryID=150

TIE DOWN Electric Reversing Solenoid #81103
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=4444

Bearing buddies and some grease, going to be interesting Will post pictures.....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Replacing Drum Brakes

Good choice on the brakes. They were on sale this week for $109 from eastern marine. If you didn't get them for that price, see if they will honor this week's ad.