Electric drum brakes

[wtjaynes]

I have a 1974 Overlander. Today I started replacing my bearings and decided that my brake shoes need to be replaced. I have a few questions.

Using the part number in the manual the local parts store couldn't find a match for the shoes. So does anyone have a part number or source for the brake shoes.

The electric brakes are working as far as I know but should I go ahead and replace the magnet unit too?

Would I be better off in the long run to just buy the whole unit?

I'm also looking for a good retail source for all of this.

Thanks
Wes

[wkerfoot]

Loaded backing plates, shoes, magnets and springs, are available at RV supply stores and online, such as etrailer. Much cheaper than replacing individual parts.

Bill

Originally Posted by wtjaynes

I have a 1974 Overlander. Today I started replacing my bearings and decided that my brake shoes need to be replaced. I have a few questions.

Using the part number in the manual the local parts store couldn't find a match for the shoes. So does anyone have a part number or source for the brake shoes.

The electric brakes are working as far as I know but should I go ahead and replace the magnet unit too?

Would I be better off in the long run to just buy the whole unit?

I'm also looking for a good retail source for all of this.

Thanks
Wes

[wtjaynes]

Thanks for the info. I found the backplate unit for less than $50 at a local trailer supply store.

[Action]

That is a great find and local as well.

>>>>>>>>Action

[TRIPPPIN]

Are the "loaded units" all good quality or is there any superior complete packages?

[Wingeezer]

No question - better to replace the entire unit, less expensive, easier, and a better job!

What's not to like!

I did that while camping in Florida last winter - took me maybe an hour per wheel. I did take an electric impact wrench along and glad I did as the bolts (5 I think in my case) were somewhat rusted - they all came apart in the end without breaking any breaking though.

I soldered the wires to the new magnets but had to clean corrosion from the wires on the trailer to do a decent job.

The brake assemblies seem to be pretty standard - I bought mine from a local place that builds utility trailers, horse trailers etc., for less than $50 each for 12" assemblies - just need to ensure that the mounting bolt pattern matches yours as I think there may be 4 bolt and 5 bolt assemblies. They also had inexpensive drums but mine seemed ok for now.


Brian.

[wtjaynes]

Brian, mine were previously connected with wire nuts. Also now my wires are a little short. I'll have to add a short splice. Can I use butt connectors or does it need to be soldered?
Thanks
Wes

[PaulnGina]

If you don't mind me chiming in..... I have heard differing stories about soldering, butt splices, and wire nuts. I think any of those methods would be fine as long as you start with clean connections, join them with any of those methods, spray them with an anti-corrosive , and cover the connection with heat shrink tubing.

Make sure that you have enough wire at each connection to account for full travel of the suspension without putting stress/binds on the wires.