Disconnect the battery if the travel trailer has electric brakes. Disconnect the trailer from your tow vehicle.
Loosen the wheel lugs on both sides of the trailer but do not remove them. Chock the wheel on one side of the trailer and raise the other side with a jack. Use jack stands to stabilize the trailer. Remove the lugs and the wheel.
Remove the wheel bearing hub with a rubber mallet. Remove the bearing cotter pin with pliers then remove the castle nut and any washers. Remove the brake drum and bearing. Loosen the brake shoes with the adjustment screw if the drum does not come off easily.
Inspect and repack the bearing if needed. Place grease in the palm of your hand and press and rotate the bearing into the grease. Replace the bearing inner seal located on the inside of the drum bearing before reinstalling the drum.
Spray the brake drums, brake shoes and all parts with brake cleaner. Wipe off all dust and dirt; do not inhale the dust as it may contain asbestos fibers. If the brake drums appear scored or pitted, have them turned by a machine shop. You may need new drums if they have been previously turned.
Remove the two brake return springs with a spring tool. Remove the brake pad retaining spring by turning the spring cap with a pair of pliers. Remove the adjustment screw and the adjustment spring connecting the two shoes at the bottom. Remove the retaining springs and brake pads.
Inspect the brake magnet and wiring for damage or excessive wear. Replace any damaged parts.
Lubricate any contact points where the brake shoes rub on the axle hub, the brake adjustment screw and the retaining spring clips.
Reinstall the brake shoes with the retaining springs. Install the brake adjustment screw at the bottom by screwing it closed, placing it between the shoes and opening it. Replace the brake return springs.
Reinstall the brake drum and bearing assembly, including the castle nut, washers and a new cotter pin. Grease the bearing and install the bearing hub and any dust caps.
Spin the brake drum and turn the brake adjustment screw until you begin to feel contact of the shoes with the drum. Lower the trailer with the jack and repeat these steps for the other side.
