Hi

Has anyone replaced their electric brakes on their caravan? Can you give me any tips on the best way to do it?

Cheers

Rod

What parts need replacing. Have just done my complete system (magnets, shoes and drums needed replacing) and found it was vastly cheaper to buy two complete sets than to buy just the parts required. Each set includes backing plates with shoes and magnets installed as well as a pair of drums including wheel bearings. I opted to buy without wheel bearing and paid $200 per set (one axle). I got Japanese timken bearings and seals from a bearing wholesaler for $100. Have just returned home today after a two day bedding in run and everything is working very well.

Alan

leave them alone you fool its a mechanics job not some would be back yarder thats why we do trades to learn the corect way of doing things play with them good by insurance if in an accedent if some one dies you are up for manslauter is it worth it how foolish some people are to save a dollar a little know how is dangerous phill

Magnets run out at about $50 each for std and $125 each for off road the only difference being a plastic bush, go figure a $75 piece of plastic. Try this site "huntsmanproducts.com.au" Std magnets $47 per pair and they sell online. Check the wearing surface on the drums as if they are badly scored they will need machining or replacement to prevent premature wear on new magnets.

Alan

brakes are not to be played withunless you realy no what you are doing .i did not meen to be rude or upset you but is realy dangerous to try and fix things if you are not properly trajned and if you were trained you would not be asking on the forum about brakes

Rod

If your existing magnets and the brake drum are contaminated with grease or similar and not working efficiently why just fit new magnets??????

If the brake drums are stuffed you will need to replace both IMHO.

I would clean the brake drums again with a cleaner to dissolve the film of grease.

When brake shoes or drums were contaminated with oil (aka in the late 60's and into the 70's ie light trucks with oil filled rear axles) AND PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE we would use metho and wet them and then light them to burn off the grease/oil. Worked well in those days but is not the preferred method obviously.

Be carful you don't waste money for nothing or do 1/2 a job and hev to start again.

How have you assessed the brakes are "not working as good"????

Just my thoughts   Cheers Baz

Rodlaine - I'm guessing the following is what you need.
I recently changed my magnets - they were Alko off road magnets which were causing the brakes to grab badly due to wear making them wedge shaped. They are very easy to replace. I found the 2 links of great help. Common sense is all you need.

http://www.alko.com.au/uploads/2008/12/Electric_Brake_Handbook.pdf

https://www.couplemate.com.au/caravan-electric-brakes-faq/

Good Luck.

Thank you to all who sent intelligent helpful advice. I now have the problem sorted.

Cheers

Rod

philip081958 wrote:

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brakes are not to be played withunless you realy no what you are doing .i did not meen to be rude or upset you but is realy dangerous to try and fix things if you are not properly trajned and if you were trained you would not be asking on the forum about brakes

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 Don't mean to be rude or wanting to upset you philip081958, but you need to learn to spell. Try that first.

Larry

Hi Larry my speeling might not be to good but it never kiled anyone and you understood it enough to reply.i did not try to offend people but brakes are things you should not play with cheers phill

RodLainie wrote:

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Thank you to all who sent intelligent helpful advice. I now have the problem sorted.

Cheers

Rod

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Hi Rod - good news but if you could tell everyone what the solution is, it benefits us all.

Cheers Baz 

RodLainie wrote:

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Hi Baz
It was just the magnets worn out.Shoes and drums are good elec all been checked
but it still felt slower than normal in stoping,now will pull up well and no it does not lock up
thanks again
Take Care
Rod

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Thank Rod I really appreciate it when we can share this info as it gives others confidence IMHO. 

You arrogant prick 

Little ben wrote:

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You arrogant prick 

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 Hmmmmm.......I understand that some need time  to formulate a considered response,but 5 years? Cheers

yobarr wrote:

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Little ben wrote:

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You arrogant prick 

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 Hmmmmm.......I understand that some need time  to formulate a considered response,but 5 years? Cheers

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 Must be personal.

I know the original post was 5 years ago but for those reading it again it might be worth covering the how what why etc.

I replaced the entire brakes on our Jayco for $200 using brand new complete brake assemblies from Huntsman, cheaper than just buying parts.

https://www.huntsmanproducts.com.au/products/10-5-stud-trailer-electric-drum-brake-kit-1

You just need to tell them what are the numbers on your current inner and out bearings as there are a few combinations available.

Process is easy after jacking up van onto jack stands for safety:-

Take off wheels,

take off axel dust cap and remove split pin and castellated nut

remove outer bearing and brake drum

cut brake wires near joiner on axel beam

remove four nuts from the four bolts that hold the brake backing plate and the remaining assembly to the axel to remove brakes and inner bearing.

Remove handbrake cable from brakes.

replace in reverse with new.