How to Replace Your Trailer Brakes

Replacing your trailer brakes is one of the most important things you can do for the safety of yourself and the people around you. Stopping a big heavy trailer takes work. It’s just the laws of physics. You have more mass in motion to bring to rest, and you need to apply more friction. 

That being said, let’s learn…

• How to know it’s time to replace your trailer brakes
• How to replace your trailer brakes
• Where to find replacement trailer brakes

Let’s get started! 

How to know it’s time to replace your trailer brakes

This will often start with a feel. If you find that when you’re braking, you hear noises like grinding or squealing, or feel tugging, pulsing, then you know it’s time for a brake replacement. When it comes to brakes, never assume that a problem will go away. Never assume that it is no big deal. As a general rule of thumb, you want to replace your trailer brakes once every 12 months. It’s smart to get ahead of any problems before you have them.

How to replace your trailer brakes

Begin by locating your current trailer’s brakes. You should be able to see them by setting the trailer on a jack and removing the wheels. You’ll need to do one brake at a time. Inspect the brake underneath. Often, you’ll need pliers and wrenches to remove the old brake. WD-40 always helps lubricate rusty, corroded parts. You may need a mallet to remove the grease cap. After the bolts and grease cap are off, most brakes slide straight off the axle the way a wheel does. Once these are removed, you’re ready to install the new brake. Place the new brake in place where the old one was, and splice in the wiring from the old one.

Where to find replacement trailer brakes

You can find almost any kind of trailer brake you need right here at The Trailer Parts Outlet. 

You can find complete trailer brake replacement kits here. Why search everywhere for what you need when you can get it all in one place? 

If you already have most of what you need and just need a loose brake assembly, we can help with that too.  

Many trailer haulers might make a decision to do an electric to hydraulic brake conversion. We can help with that, too. Check out our trailer brake conversion kits. If you’re interested in the benefits of one over the other, check out this blog on the topic.

Get in Touch with The Trailer Parts Outlet for More Questions About Brakes

Replacing brakes should be done with care. I you’re unsure about anything, remember that we are always happy to help you here at The Trailer Parts Outlet. So give us a call or write us a message anytime you want to chat about brakes, trailers, and more. We’re passionate about trailers and we love helping people.