How To Determine Left Side From Right Side When Installing Axles With Brakes Installed

Published 11/06/2014

Question:

I have a dual axle utility trailer and someone just gave me 2 new 3500 lb axles with electric brakes already installed with the hub assembly on also.when mounting on the trailer frame how do I know which way the axle faces the front of the trailer? Where the wires come out of inside the hub should they be towards the front or back? Thanks

asked by: Glenn

Expert Reply:

If nothing is noted on the axle or outside of the brakes for the front or rear, you can remove the front hub and take a look at the brakes. The magnet is always on the bottom of the assembly and the actuating arm for the brakes always bows toward the front of the trailer. The larger brake shoe is on the front of the brake assembly also. The wires exit through the backing plate and it would not be possible to determine left from right by those.

I have attached a brake installation video you can check out that explains what to look for when installing brakes on a trailer. You can use that reference for the axles.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L