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  1. #1
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    Which axle for brakes?

    I have a dual axle MFI bass boat trailer - leaf springs, no shocks.

    The brakes are now on the rear axle. A caliper worked loose and came off, bending the corner of the mounting flange. The front axle has mounting flanges, so I have the option of putting the brakes on the front axle or switching the axles.

    Would the brakes be as effective mounted on the front axle, or do I really need to switch them?

    Thanks,

    Frank
    So many honey-dos . . . . . so little motivation

  2. Electrical/Wiring/Trolling Motors Moderator CatFan's Avatar
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    Jun 2004
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    #2

    Re: Which axle for brakes? (taeheel2az)

    From Champion Trailer Parts website:

    "When only one brake axle is being installed on a tandem axle trailer, the brakes should be on the rear axle for maximum system performance. Rotational torque applied to axles during braking shifts the equalizer and applies more weight to rear axle. If brakes are installed on the front axle, the wheel may skid during braking. Brakes on rear axle are more effective as the equalizers shifts and the rear tires dig in to the pavement. "

    This site http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html is one of my favorites for trailer information.
    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity,
    nothing else matters.​

  3. Member
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    #3

    Re: Which axle for brakes? (CatFan)

    Gracias!
    So many honey-dos . . . . . so little motivation

  4. Member
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    Winchester, TN
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    #4

    Re: Which axle for brakes? (taeheel2az)

    Just remove the axle and flip it around, giving you 4 new holes in the flange.

  5. BBC Lifetime Member Fish TR19's Avatar
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    #5

    Re: Which axle for brakes? (DABS)

    DABS
    Sent IM

  6. Member
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    #6

    Re: Which axle for brakes? (DABS)

    Yeah, Dennis, I thought about that, but the caliper was bolted to the flange through the top two holes - came that way as part of a new axle and hubs set. On its way out, the caliper bent both top corners a little and wallowed out the holes a bit. So I swapped axles this afternoon. A side benefit was that it prompted me to repack the bearings on that axle's hubs when I moved them to the former rear axle. It had been due for a while, but I was lazy.

    I noticed that a strap (one connecting a leaf spring to the "rocker" between the two set of leaf springs) appeared to have wallowed out some. Are these pretty standard things I can get at an auto parts store?

    Frank
    So many honey-dos . . . . . so little motivation

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