[schnitz]

I needed different axles for my car trailer (the electric brake parts are no longer available for the existing one-- and I needed both axles to have brakes per state law....). I bought two used axles with electric brakes, but I ran into a snag. The existing axles are mounted above the the springs, but my "new" axles have the spring perches welded on for a "below the spring" application. That is, if I leave the brake stuff mounted the same on the axle. I "think" I can re-mount the mounts, but I'd rather just "flip" the brakes so the actuator is 180 degrees off my existing setup. Can this be done? Better yet, should this be done? Thanks,

In a while, Chet.

[cobalt327]

I'm not sure if this is what you're after, so bear w/me.

If I'm following you, if you flip the new axle to get the perches on the top like the original axle, you would then swap ends to keep the leading/trailing shoes in the correct positions.

Then, invert the springs so the arch is correct, or use your original springs.

[schnitz]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

I'm not sure if this is what you're after, so bear w/me.

If I'm following you, if you flip the new axle to get the perches on the top like the original axle, you would then swap ends to keep the leading/trailing shoes in the correct positions.

Then, invert the springs so the arch is correct, or use your original springs.

You've got it, but will the actuator work right if I do this? Or should I just remove the axle spring perches from the axle, and then re-weld them on 180 off of what they currently are?



In a while, Chet.

[cobalt327]

The only forces that will be at work that would change how the brake mechanism works if 180* from original is gravity, IMHO.

I think that- provided the brakes are in good condition (no rusty springs, etc.)- there should be no difference as to how the brakes work.

At least I can't come up with a reason that having the actuators 180* from original should affect the function of the brakes- as long as the orientation of the leading/following shoes is preserved.

[schnitz]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

The only forces that will be at work that would change how the brake mechanism works if 180* from original is gravity, IMHO.

I think that- provided the brakes are in good condition (no rusty springs, etc.)- there should be no difference as to how the brakes work.

At least I can't come up with a reason that having the actuators 180* from original should affect the function of the brakes- as long as the orientation of the leading/following shoes is preserved.

Guess I'll be figuring it out soon (like right after I get the spring eyelet bolts to free up...). Thanks for the advice/thoughts on it!


In a while, Chet.

[Joe G]

Originally Posted by schnitz

....Or should I just remove the axle spring perches from the axle, and then re-weld them on 180 off of what they currently are?.

That may be a safer bet.

Most (maybe all) trailer axles have a slight upward arch built into them. It is done so the axle will flatten out at it's rated load instead of sagging.

If you were to flip the axle, that arch would be working against you - giving you built in axle sag.

If it were me, I would weld some new spring perches on the bottom of the axles. You might not even have to remove the top perches if you don't want to.

Good luck

Joe G.

[schnitz]

Crap. I forgot all about that, Joe. Maybe I will just weld new ones on.



In a while, Chet.

[Bryan59EC]

Originally Posted by schnitz

Crap. I forgot all about that, Joe. Maybe I will just weld new ones on.
In a while, Chet.

heh heh heh
no point in cutting and welding---if you can just weld.
Don't flip the axles for the reasons stated above.

[cobalt327]

Yeah, do what they said.

[prostreet6t9]

The arch is kinda dual purpose,Its there for the load support, and also to set the toe. Just get another set of perch's and install them with the bow going up.Before you weld the perch's make sure and check your toe so you don't scrub the tires.

One thing to think about also is, since your state requires brakes on both axle's,it's not uncommon to have the the state police check your brake set up,and have you prove your breakaway setup is working,if they notice your brakes are on backwards he will nail you pretty good.

Dont invert your spring's. Just weld new perch's on.

[joe_padavano]

I assume it's not possible to simply unbolt the brake backing plates and flip them around?

[prostreet6t9]

Originally Posted by joe_padavano

I assume it's not possible to simply unbolt the brake backing plates and flip them around?

Yes,you can do that on most axle's. I have seen some that actually have the backing plate welded on.

There is a right and left brake assembly, so when it's done,the magnet is at the bottom with the adjuster,short shoe to the front and the wire needs to exit to the rear. If a state police wanted to be a butthead and noticed that the wires where coming out the front of the backing plate he would know they where on backwards and possibly give you a hard time.