Do Trailer Drums have to be Turned when Replacing Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies
Updated 04/21/2015 | Published 04/20/2015 >
Question:
I was going to replace the whole brake assembly Dexter K23-458 and 459. This is the first brake replacement on my trailer. Do I need to machine or replace the drum or can I use if the surfaces are flat?
asked by: Keith
Helpful Expert Reply:
If the surface on the inside of the drum where the shoe pads make contact isn't smooth then a brake shop may be able to turn the drums. If that surface or the surface where the magnet makes contact (called the armature surface) is discolored then the drum will need to be replaced.
In most cases, unless there is damage or discoloration, the drums will not have to be serviced or replaced. If you are unsure then the safest thing to do is take the drums to a brake shop to have them inspected.

Continue Researching
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs
- Search Results: lights
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7K E-Z Lube Axle - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased - 1/2" Stud
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6K
- Search Results: dexter 010~036~00
- Search Results: 010~036~00
- Search Results: k23~458~00
- Search Results: jack parts
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2
- Search Results: trailer brake drums
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2
- Search Results: brake assembly
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2
- Video: etrailer VS Dexter Self Adjusting Brakes Comparison
- Video: Review of Dexter Trailer Hubs and Drums - E-Z Lube Pre-Greased Trailer Hub Drum - 42866UC3-EZ
- Video: A Closer Look at the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Light
- Video: Hands-On with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: TruRyde Self-Adjusting Electric Brake Assembly Comprehensive Review
- Q&A: Recommended Brake Assembly for Dexter 5,200 lb Axle
- Q&A: Why Self Adjusting Brakes or Manual Adjust Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Do Trailer Drums have to be Machined or Turned when Replacing Brake Assemblies
- Q&A: Does Trailer Wheel Hub/Brake Drum Need to Be Replaced if Inside Surface is Grooved
- Q&A: Replacement Hub/Drum and Brake Assemblies for AL KO 4,400 lb Trailer Axle
- Q&A: Where are Dexstar and Vesper Trailer Wheels Made
- Q&A: Is it Necessary to Have Hubs Turned when Replacing 5th Wheel Trailer Brakes
- Article: How to Replace Trailer Leaf Springs in 5 Steps