Can Trailer Brakes Be Turned So The Shoes Are In The 12 O'clock And 6 O'clock Positions?
Updated 07/15/2026 | Published 07/09/2026
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Question:
My trailer brakes are mounted with shoes at top and bottom. Ive never seen this before, is this okay?
asked by: Robert B
Expert Reply:
Hi Robert!
That is definitely odd and I highly encourage you to turn them so the shoes are in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. The mounting angle dictates the operation of the wheel cylinder, the return springs, and the crucial ability to bleed trapped air from the lines with hydraulic brakes (like the etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5k # AKUBRK-35 you were looking at).
It's a similar situation with electric brakes, like the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35. The return springs will be off and you really want the magnet to fall to the 6 o'clock position when you let off the brakes so the shoes aren't constantly engaged/touching the drum (this will technically only be a little more wear than usual, but it will end up shortening the life of the brakes).
As a side note, you also want to make sure the smaller shoe is facing the front of the trailer/camper and the larger shoe is facing the rear. This goes for hydraulic and electric drum brakes.
Out of curiosity, what kind of trailer do you have? And do you know what kind of axles are installed (straight or torsion)?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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Robert B.
7/14/2026
White river marine group