Is It Possible To Remove Brakes On 3,500lb Axle And Replace with Idler Hub?

Updated 03/15/2023 | Published 03/14/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1442)

$55.01

Question:

Can I take out a drum w/brake and replace with just a hub assembly, with no brakes?

asked by: Joe C

Expert Reply:

Physically? Yes. Legally? Maybe.

Assuming your axle is a 3,500, which is by far the most common, you can remove the 10" brakes from the backing plate and replace the hub and drum assembly with an idler hub like # AKIHUB-545-35-K.

With that said if your trailer has brakes it's almost 100% due to them being required by law. Brake laws vary state by state, but if you'll be using the trailer on the road you could open yourself up to tickets and lawsuits should you have an accident and you knowingly removed your trailers brakes.

expert reply by: Samuel C