Changing out drum brakes and hubs

[Jobsite]

Hey guys new here and first post. Just bought 96 Sport Nautique and it needs some work.
First question:
Has anyone or does anyone have advice about removing drum brakes and replacing with just a hub?
Also what size axel is on the trailer and what size bearings?

[SilentSeven]

Welcome!

You want to remove the brakes completely? uh...ok. The setup will vary by axle / trailer manufacturer but in general, you should be able to remove the entire backing plate assembly and that will get rid of the cylinder / shoes setup. On most drum trailers, the hub and the drum are integrated so you'd still have the drum regardless. Maybe if you get clever, you can find a replacement hub - it would likely be via the axle manufacturer.

Bearing and things are all determined by what axel manufacturer provided. Best way I've found to source parts - especially for older trailers - is to just pull a hub and note the bearing numbers and cross them into replacement items. Same for the inner seals. It's all pretty easy to source once you figure out what it is.

[Jobsite]

Yeah thanks. They haven’t been greased in at least 4 yrs. the grease was running out. I shot grease in for the trip home. I would like not to have to pull them to see what the size it is due to how greasy the hubs are. The worst I’ve ever seen. Grease probably went into the brakes for as much I put in. With Posi lube the grease should have come out the front.

[SilentSeven]

Yeah...inner seals are likely shot. Not that hard to change; just a greasy PITA. But then shoes are likely gone as well due to the grease. When I purchased my prior boat, trailer was in a similar condition and basically did everything....coupler, wheel cylinders, bearings, seals, shoes.... New trailer has disk brakes...much simpler. Sorry to hear what you're facing.

If you decide to fix, look at pre-built replacement backing plates. I should have gone that route; simpler for sure. I kept piecemealing it together and wasted a bunch of time.

[Jobsite]

That’s what I’m wondering. Can backing plate simply be removed, plain hub installed with nothing odd going on. I’ll just cut and remove brake line. I’m not far from ramp and don’t need brakes. Later if I want brakes I can add disk hub and new lines. Probably need new brake coupler too.

[SilentSeven]

If you're going to hack it for now, remove the backing plates, toss in a new inner seal, repack em and reuse the drum hub. Why spend the $$ on new hubs?

You'll need to figure out some solution for the coupler as it will bang like heck with no fluid/pressure.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Jobsite]

Yeah I guess you’re right. Only $300-$400 more to do it right. I read that there were several different axles used so best way to is to measure axle or read bearing numbers.

I guess I will go with tie down disc brake kit with new actuator and get new wheels. Hard to believe this boat and trailer is all original except wood and carpet on trailer was replace 4 hrs ago with aluminum diamond plate.

only other issue found so far is leak in stern aft and below to the starboard side of shaft. Not packing.

[SilentSeven]

Single or double axle? Prolly double just to increase the 'pleasure' right?

I'd look at these....
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Tra...um_Brakes.aspx

Or maybe something like this might fit...
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Bra.../K2R35DKG.html