What Information is Need to Find Parts to Switch from Hydraulic to Electric Drum Brakes

Published 06/11/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Free Backing - Galvanized - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(180)

$75.33

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(311)

$83.06

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(302)

$83.92

Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - White Powder Coat

(2447)

$89.30

Question:

I would like to convert the breaks on my tandem axle skid steer trailer from surge breaks to electric breaks. What type of trailer information would you need from me when I call to order the parts? I am a novice at this, so please excuse if the question is too broad. Thanks,

asked by: Wes

Expert Reply:

We would need to know how big the current brakes are. 10x2-1/4 or 12x2 etc.

Sometimes you can re-use the drums from hydraulic brakes for electric brakes, sometimes not. If you are going to go ahead and replace the drums, we would need to know inner and outer bearing numbers. These are stamped right on the bearings. We would also need the bolt pattern of the drums. I have added a link to a wheel page that shows you how to measure bolt pattern at the bottom. Wheel diameter is important as well, so we can make sure we do not recommend drums that are too big for your wheels.

If you are going to do go with new drums, we would not need to know how big the current brake assemblies are. You can start fresh. In that case, we need inner and outer bearing number, bolt pattern, wheel size, weight of the trailer, and the bolt pattern of the brake mounting flange.

I know it seems like a lot to find out, but it is pretty easy, and the parts will pretty much just fall into place. For example, we can say you have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern on your hubs. 5 bolts, 4-1/2 inches across. And you checked the inner bearing and outer bearing and they are L68149 and L44649 respectively.

That tells me the hub you need is part # 84546UC3. With those hubs you would left hand brake assembly # 23-26 and right hand assembly # 23-27. This hub is meant for 3,500 pound axles, so if your total load is 3,160 pounds, I know we have the right size. And If you have 13 inch wheels, the hub will fit fine. And if your brake flange is 4 bolts square, I know this assembly will bolt up.

Bolt pattern and bearing numbers tell us what we need to find the parts. The other numbers verify what the bearings and hub pattern tells us.