Can Trailer Hydraulic Disc Brake Actuator be Replaced by Drum Brake Actuator

Updated 05/07/2024 | Published 05/05/2024

Question:

Can I replace my titan hydraulic disc brake actuator with one that says it is used for drum brakes

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

Hi Sam,

A trailer drum brake actuator cannot be used as a replacement for a disc brake actuator on a trailer with disc brakes. Reason being the master cylinder on a drum brake actuator does not send as much pressure through the brake lines as a disc brake actuator, so you won't get the correct stopping power for the disc brake's piston.

So you'll want to replace your disc brake actuator with another another one, depending on the capacity and hitch ball size you need. For example, for a 7,000 lb capacity disc brake actuator that couples to a 2" hitch ball use the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM62VR.

I have added a link below to our entire selection of disc brake actuators for you, which you can filter by capacity and hitch ball size.

expert reply by: Kyle S