Your travel trailer gets you and your family out to enjoy the open road, explore new destinations and see new sights. Over time, though, you may have noticed the braking performance on your trailer has degraded. Now it is time to replace the brake shoes. You should replace the brake shoes when the linings are 1/8 thick or less or wearing unevenly on the drums, not based on mileage. You should plan on one hour to service each brake assembly.
Instructions
- 1
Disconnect the battery if the travel trailer has electric brakes. Disconnect the trailer from your tow vehicle.
2Loosen the wheel lugs on both sides of the trailer but do not remove them. Chock the wheel on one side of the trailer and raise the other side with a jack. Use jack stands to stabilize the trailer. Remove the lugs and the wheel.
3Remove the wheel bearing hub with a rubber mallet. Remove the bearing cotter pin with pliers then remove the castle nut and any washers. Remove the brake drum and bearing. Loosen the brake shoes with the adjustment screw if the drum does not come off easily.
4Inspect and repack the bearing if needed. Place grease in the palm of your hand and press and rotate the bearing into the grease. Replace the bearing inner seal located on the inside of the drum bearing before reinstalling the drum.
5Spray the brake drums, brake shoes and all parts with brake cleaner. Wipe off all dust and dirt; do not inhale the dust as it may contain asbestos fibers. If the brake drums appear scored or pitted, have them turned by a machine shop. You may need new drums if they have been previously turned.
6Remove the two brake return springs with a spring tool. Remove the brake pad retaining spring by turning the spring cap with a pair of pliers. Remove the adjustment screw and the adjustment spring connecting the two shoes at the bottom. Remove the retaining springs and brake pads.
7Inspect the brake magnet and wiring for damage or excessive wear. Replace any damaged parts.
8Lubricate any contact points where the brake shoes rub on the axle hub, the brake adjustment screw and the retaining spring clips.
9Reinstall the brake shoes with the retaining springs. Install the brake adjustment screw at the bottom by screwing it closed, placing it between the shoes and opening it. Replace the brake return springs.
10Reinstall the brake drum and bearing assembly, including the castle nut, washers and a new cotter pin. Grease the bearing and install the bearing hub and any dust caps.
11Spin the brake drum and turn the brake adjustment screw until you begin to feel contact of the shoes with the drum. Lower the trailer with the jack and repeat these steps for the other side.
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