Can Hydraulic Trailer Brake Drums be Used with Electric Brakes

Published 03/03/2015

Question:

I have a question. I have a Kar Kaddy, can I reuse the drums when changing to electric brakes. On the inside of the drums is a ridge 7/8 wide 3/16 deep 1 to center of ridge from the drum inside 1 5/16 from center of ridge to center of wheel studs. It seems to me that the more flat area you have in the drum for the magnet to grab the better. what do you people have to say on the matter. I sent you a message last night, maybe you can put them both together.

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

Some drums can be used with hydraulic or electric brakes and others cannot. You would have to check with the drum manufacturer unless it specifically says on the drum somewhere.

You mentioned a ridge which would indicate to me that you may not be able to use electric brakes with the hubs you have. The magnet does need a flat surface to attach to. This is called the armature surface. The less surface area there is on the armature surface the weaker the connection between the magnet and drum when the magnet is energized.

To determine which drums will fit your trailer I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers on the sides of the bearings.

expert reply by: Michael H