Adk1 Report post Posted July 21, 2015 I have a double axle trailer with hydraulic drum brakes. 1991. The former owners of the unit did nothing to them and they no longer work. No fluid in the master at all. I am looking into replacing the entire unit, coupler, lines and drums. Anyone out there done this before and on a scale of 1-10, 10 being expert, what would you rate the the job as being? I am relatively handy with tools and have plenty of them, but have never performed a brake job on any vehicle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich s Report post Posted July 21, 2015 With Specialized brake tools ( pliers, spring & retaining clip wrench, adjuster and bleeder ) I'd say its about a 5. Without them tools its a nightmare if not impossible Take one off and replace at a time so you have a reference on how they go back together . An auto bleeder is also necessary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rolmops Report post Posted July 21, 2015 You may want to consider abandoning the surge brakes and changing to electric drum brakes. That is probably cheaper and better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
holy mackerel Report post Posted July 21, 2015 http://www.easternmarine.com/Hydraulic-Trailer-Brake-Assemblies/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigblue Report post Posted July 21, 2015 (edited) http://www.easternmarine.com/Hydraulic-Trailer-Brake-Assemblies/ HM hit it on the head did two trailers that way , inexpensive easy fix no special tools needed and you bleed it by pumping the trailer coupler Edited July 21, 2015 by bigblue Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G-Daddy Report post Posted July 21, 2015 I redid my trailer last summer while the boat was in the water. My nephew and I did the entire job in about three hours. That included changing rotors and calipers on one axle and adding them on the second axle for a trailer that was brought in from Virginia where they only had to have brakes on one axle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fishmedic Report post Posted July 22, 2015 Just did my double axle trailer. Couldn't find just the shoes. Bought the Tie Down complete set, backing plate, shoe, cylinders. Best way to go and was easy. Called the Marina and they wanted $ 300 per axle. Bought parts online and did both axles for $300 including shipping. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lineman49 Report post Posted July 26, 2015 Go with Hyd. disc brakes. We all know electric & water don't mix. Lots of bad reports on electric boat trailer brakes. They are fine for campers never in& out of water. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimski2 Report post Posted July 26, 2015 Check out of state trailer brake regulations for your trailer. Some states outlaw surge brakes. Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app Share this post Link to post Share on other sites