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Tips for Trailer Brake Maintenance

Aug. 25 2021 Maintenance By Palmer Trucks

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Trailer brakes play a key role in a safe cargo hauling experience. But for brakes to work properly, they need to be well-maintained. While there are some tasks best left to professionals, there are plenty of trailer brake maintenance projects that owners can tackle.

Trailer Brake Maintenance - Inspection Checklist

The key part of trailer brake maintenance is a thorough inspection. This involves looking over key components and searching for issues. Catching a problem early helps prevent a safety situation on the road, further damage to the trailer, and a higher repair bill.

A trailer brake maintenance inspection involves:

  • Check the drums, shoes, and shoe return springs and hardware for signs of corrosion. Address any corrosion as soon as possible.
  • Check for shoes or drums that are too thin. Replace as needed.
  • Check for signs of parts grinding together, which is a concerning red flag. Replace worn down parts as needed and get the trailer brakes checked by a professional.
  • Compare the sides of the trailer braking system to each other. Uneven brake wear is a concern. It can be caused by improper cargo weight distribution or other issues related to incorrectly loading a trailer. It can also be a sign of a problem such as an issue with the trailer hitch. If fixing the trailer loading approach doesn't solve the uneven wear, visit a trailer service department.

There are also maintenance checks related to certain types of brakes.

For example:

  • Electrical trailer brakes: check the wiring and connections for broken wires and fraying.
  • Surge brakes: push the trailer to make sure the braking system activates. If it does not, this could be a problem with the master cylinder and wheel cylinders or with the brake fluid.

Trailer Brake Maintenance Inspection - Timeline

The thorough maintenance inspection should happen in one of two cases: once each year or after 12,000 miles, whichever happens first. Of course, it doesn't hurt to inspect the trailer more often! Remember that the faster you catch issues, the less of a problem they will become.

Trailer Brake Maintenance - Preventative Approach

When trailers sit unused for long stretches of time, it can cause issues. Aim to take the trailer for a drive about every three months. This helps prevent brake problems that can happen because of disuse.