How to Maintain Trailer Brakes

Trailers are useful for hauling your recreational vehicles to the lake or mountains for the weekend or taking all the brush and trash to the dump, among many other jobs. Maintain your trailer to obtain many years of dependable service. Pay particular attention to the brakes on the trailer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Inspect the brake system visually. Look at its overall condition. Evaluate the corrosion of the various parts. Most of the parts of recreational trailers are painted or coated with a zinc-based coating to prevent corrosion. Pay particular attention to the springs of the trailer, as this is where the zinc coating appears most often.

2. Examine the wiring and braking mechanism in the tongue of the trailer. Check the brake actuation system and make sure the trailer actuates both brakes at the same time and releases them at the same time. If the braking system uses hydraulic lines, check each of the lines for leaks or cracks. Replace all damaged lines to ensure they don't fail under use. Also, make sure the fluid level in the master cylinder of the trailer is full.

3. Check the condition of the brake pads and discs or rotors. Examine the pads for signs of deterioration or cracking. Replace any brake part that shows defect or signs of age.