How Do You Know When Trailer Brake Pads/Drums Need to Be Replaced

Published 02/05/2016

Question:

How can I tell if my brake pads or drums should be replaced?

asked by: Jarrod

Expert Reply:

You would know to replace brake shoes the same way you would know with a vehicle. If performance is suffering and adjusting the brakes does not help and there are no other issues causing the poor performance it is probably time to change the brake shoes. Some shoes that have pads that are riveted on should be replaced once the pad wears down to that rivet.

When you have the hub off the axle inspect the inside of it. Does it look torn up where the magnet rides or where the brake pads touch it? You may be able to have them turned, but if they are too bad you would be better off replacing them.

expert reply by: Jameson C