How to Determine if a Trailer Brake Actuator is for Drum or Disc Brakes

Published 06/21/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator w/ Drop - Drum - 2-5/16" Ball - Bolt On - 20,000 lbs

(40)

$765.34

Replacement Solenoid Valve for Dexter Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts

(266)

$77.10

Question:

how can a coupler be identified if it is for drum brakes or disc brakes? Also can an electric solinoid be added to a non lockout unit at a later date?Thanks

asked by: Rt D

Expert Reply:

If the psi rating is listed on top of the actuator you can tell by that, or it may say drum or disc brakes on it. If the psi rating is there drum brake actuators put out up to 1000 psi. Disc brakes will put out up to 1600 psi. Otherwise they will look identical. The only other way to tell without a part number would be the fitting at the back of the master cylinder. On the inside of the fitting there will be a check valve, a narrower opening, indicating a drum brake actuator. But without another model without a check valve to compare it to, it would be difficult to determine which you have.

You can add an electric reverse lockout solenoid # T4748800 to a Titan actuator at a later date if you wanted to.

expert reply by: Michael H