If you’ve ever replaced the brake pads on a set of drum brakes on a vehicle, you’ll know that unless you’ve done it a thousand times it can be a little tricky. There are the springs that need to go a certain way, the retainer clips, and don’t get the pads on backwards. Well, I had the same thoughts about replacing the drum brakes on a trailer, until I learned how they operate. They are quite simple to replace. No springs to mess with.

Electric trailer brakes are very similar to drum brakes on a car, except they are operated by an electromagnet that sticks to the brake drum. As the drum rotates it pulls the pads out and applies the brakes. The braking force is controlled through the vehicles brake controller. The biggest difference to me is how they are replaced. Unlike vehicle drum brakes, these trailer brakes are replaced as a unit. There is no messing with a bunch of springs and having to use special tools to install them. You simply unbolt the backing plate and cut the wires to the electro-magnet to remove it. Then the installation of the new parts is just the reverse of the removal. After reconnecting the wires and tightening the bolts, you are basically done. Its so simple. Of course you need to repack or replace the wheel bearings and reinstall those, but the process is very easy to do.

If you have a trailer that needs new electric brakes, don’t be afraid to tackle the project yourself. It will save you a bunch of money by not taking it to a repair shop. Check out the full video below. Have an awesome day.

— Affiliate Links for Products Used —
Weller Soldering Station – https://amzn.to/3g7boWe
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