Do Trailer Drums have to be Machined or Turned when Replacing Brake Assemblies

Updated 09/16/2015 | Published 09/15/2015

Question:

When replacing the brake assembly, should the brake drum be turned or machined by a machine shop similar to auto drums? CAN the 8-257 drums be machined at all or is there enough metal to allow turning or machining?

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

Hubs and drums that can be turned (machined) will have a specification on how much they can be turned cast into the metal of the drum somewhere. Otherwise it is at the brake shop's discretion. Drums do not have to be turned unless there is some kind of problem such as an uneven interior surface where the pads ride.

If you are just replacing the brakes and the insides of the drums appear to be fine then you should not have to have them turned.

expert reply by: Michael H