Do Trailer Hubs and Drums and Brake Assemblies have a Left and Right

Updated 08/22/2018 | Published 08/21/2018

Question:

What would be the effect if hubs with Eletric brakes are installed on the wrong side of the axle. The left drivers side on the right passengers side and the right on the left? I have a neighbor with them both on the wrong side, and he says a hub is a hub, no difference. I say they are made to be right or left and they only work correctly that way. I just dont want to see his family hurt in an accident because of the reversed hubs.

asked by: Michael D

Expert Reply:

Usually hub and drum assemblies themselves don't have a right and a left; they can be used on either side. If your neighbor has hubs that indicate that one is a left and the other is the right then they should be installed in that orientation for the best performance.

Brake assemblies do have a left and right though. If you were to switch sides with brake assemblies the braking would not be as strong but depending on the weight of the trailer you may not notice much of a difference. Regardless I am of the opinion that things should be installed correctly in order to get the most out of them.

expert reply by: Michael H