Do Hubs Need to be Replaced When Replacing Trailer Brakes

Updated 05/03/2021 | Published 04/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(3025)

$160.20

Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1708)

$104.19

Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle

(2827)

$15.94

Question:

do these come with hub and spindle or do i re-use my existing hub

asked by: Richard R

Expert Reply:

The etrailer.com Self-Adjusting Brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA will replace both brakes on an axle, but do not come with the hubs. That being said, if the hubs are in good condition, they will not need to be replaced.

When you remove the hub, you will need to check the inside of the drum surfaces. The surface where the brake shoes seat will need to be mostly smooth, but if there are some small grooves, it will still be ok. If the surface where the magnet adheres to is grooved and no longer smooth, then the hub should be replaced with something like # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K.

The bearings should also be checked to make sure they spin smoothly and don't feel gritty or obstructed. If the inside of the drum is good but the bearings aren't feeling great, you will want to replace them with something like # BK2-100.

Please keep in mind that these are examples. Your bearings may not match the ones that come with the # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K or # BK2-100. If your hub or bearings do need to be replaced, you will want to confirm the bearing numbers and wheel bolt pattern before purchasing.