Do All 3500 lb Axles Use a 10 Inch Brake Assembly

Published 08/05/2022

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs

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$126.47

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

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$145.30

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

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$96.28

Easy Grease Trailer Hub/Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized

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Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized

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Question:

Do all 3500# axles come with 10x 2 1/4inch electric brakes?

asked by: Paul D

Expert Reply:

Modern (within the last 10-15 years) 3500 lb axles with electric or hydraulic drum brakes do indeed use a 10 x 2-1/4 inch brake drum which is compatible with the # AKEBRK-35 brake assemblies you'd looked at. You can confirm this by measuring the inner diameter of the brake drum which will be 10 inches and the inside depth which will be 2-1/4 inches.

If you're needing replacement brake assemblies, I'd highly recommend going with self-adjusting brakes, like part # AKEBRK-35-SA. The price differential is minimal, and going that route will insure that your brakes are kept in optimal adjustment for effective and predictable braking.

When replacing brake assemblies, you'll also want to closely examine the inside armature surface of the brake drum, where the brake magnet rides (assuming you have electric brakes). If this surface is grooved or pitted, the new brake magnet won't make proper contact with the drum, which will diminish your braking performance.

If you find that you need to replace your brake drums, I'd recommend :

• Part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K for a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern.
• Part # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K (EZ-Lube spindle) or # AKHD-545-35-G-K for a standard spindle for a marine
application.

5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern is by and far the most commonly found bolt pattern, but if yours is different, let me know and I'd be happy to provide an alternative that's compatible with your bolt pattern.

You'll also want to be sure to burnish/break in your drums which ensures good contact between the drum and brake magnet. Step 4 in the linked article explains how to do this.