How to Repair RV Trailer Brakes
RV brakes and trailer brakes are similar to the brakes on a vehicle because they all work the same--to stop motion. Some RVs are stand-alone vehicles, while others are trailers pulled behind a vehicle. In either situation, the brake system is a disk or drum brake. Similar to any kind of vehicle, RV trailer brakes need regular maintenance.
Supplies:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Drain pan
- Car lift/jack
- Jack stands
- Brake fluid
- Set the parking brake for stand-alone RV vehicles. For trailer RVs, chock the tires. Loosen up the nuts holding the tire in place with a ratchet and socket. Take off all the bolts and put a jack under the axle.
- Raise up the RV so the tire is a few inches off the ground, and put a jack stand beneath the axle. Lower the RV on the jack stand and take off the tire from the bolts. Start with one side of the vehicle.
- Put the drain pan beneath the rubber brake hoses and loosen the bleeder screw on the caliper or wheel cylinder.
- With a screwdriver, take off the clips or brackets holding the hoses in place. Detach the rubber hose. If you have drum brakes, take off the bolts holding the steel brake hose in place. Take out any wiring running to the brakes and put it to the side, along with the hoses.
- Remove the brakes once the lines are disconnected. Put on the new brake and reattach the connectors, hoses, and wiring.
- Start up the RV or hook the RV trailer to the towing vehicle. Be sure to include the corresponding trailer plug. Get somebody to help you--have them pump the vehicle brakes with the engine running. After that, bleed the brake system in the drip pan by opening up the bleeder valve while the brakes are being pumped. Continue to do this until all of the air is released from the hoses and fluid comes out. Go to the master cylinder and refill the brake fluid.
- Take the tire and put it back on the RV. Tighten the nuts in a star pattern. Go all the way around until they are all tight. Lift the jack high enough to take out the jack stand. Lower the RV down.