company news about How do you know when your trailer needs new brakes?

What are the telltale signs the brakes on your trailer are worn and it’s time for an inspection? After a trip, or, once per year is wise. Even if the brakes have had little use, load and weight may cause uneven wear on your braking system.

Some obvious signs that your brakes are in need of replacement include noise, pulling, pulsing, and pedal depression during braking. In extreme situations of brake failure or brake component failures, your wheels can lock up while traveling, causing severe tire damage and it will smoke out drivers traveling behind you. This is what happened to the customer of this project. Fortunately for the client, nobody was injured. However, to get the trailer to Pro World, the customer disabled the brakes (not advised!) by draining the brake fluid from the reservoir. What this means is that the client was traveling with a trailer that had no active brakes which was not only illegal, it was unsafe.

Trailer brake drums should be replaced when they show signs of significant wear, such as deep grooves or scoring on the braking surface. You may also experience unusual noises like grinding or squealing, or feel vibrations while braking—these are common indicators of underlying issues. To confirm whether replacement is needed, a qualified mechanic with experience in trailer maintenance should perform a thorough inspection.

Here’s a more detailed look at the warning signs:

• Visual Inspection:
  Examine the brake drum's interior surface for deep grooves, scoring, or pitting. Also check the exterior for rust or corrosion that may affect performance.

• Diameter Check:
  Use a brake drum gauge to measure the inner diameter of the drum. Compare this with the maximum limit marked on the drum itself. If the measurement exceeds the limit, the drum must be replaced.

• Strange Noises:
  Pay attention to any grinding, squealing, or abnormal sounds while braking. These noises, especially when paired with vibration, often point to drum or brake component damage.

• Braking Issues:
  Watch for reduced braking power, uneven stopping, or the trailer veering to one side when the brakes are applied—these are signs of uneven wear or drum problems.

• Brake Pedal Feel:
  A soft, spongy, or pulsating brake pedal may indicate issues with the brake drums or related components.

• Dragging Brakes:
  If the brakes seem to stay engaged or don’t release smoothly, worn or warped brake drums could be the cause.

• Wear Over Time:
  Even if visible damage is not present, brake drums can wear down over time. Based on the trailer’s usage, age and mileage alone might justify a replacement as part of routine maintenance.