How to Select Replacement Drum Brakes and Hub/Drums for 20-Foot Trailer

Updated 08/24/2017 | Published 08/23/2017

Question:

Hi, I need to change the brakes on my 20foot trailer. The brake hub has 4 bolts on it. I checked your site and there are only hubs with 5, 6, or 8 bolts. Do I have to get the same 4-bolt hub or is there an equivalent as long as the hub size is the same? Thanks.

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

For replacement drum brake assemblies for your trailer, whether electric or hydraulic, you will need to match several features: the brake mounting flange pattern for installing the brakes, the axle weight rating and the brake size.

If you want to replace hub/drums the new ones also have to match the axle weight rating, the bolt pattern for your wheels and the set of bearings and grease seal used in the original hubs.

I linked our main page for trailer brake assemblies; just click on the type you need, electric or hydraulic drum, then your axle weight rating and you'll then see all suitable brakes. Make sure you choose a brake that uses the same brake flange mounting bolt pattern. For example, 3500-lb axles typically use 10 x 2-1/4-inch brakes with a 4-bolt flange mounting pattern, such as electric drum brake kit # AKEBRK-35-SA. You need to use both left- and right-hand brakes on the axle.

I also linked our page for hub/drums. Select your wheel bolt pattern, such as 5-on-4-1/2, your axle rating, and the bearings in your existing hubs. You will then see compatible hub/drums that will fit on your spindles.

expert reply by: Adam R