[VAC] Re: Loosey Goosey Brake Magnet?

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greg,

Yes, the magnet does rub the inside of the hub all the time as you correctly
analyzed.

That is the design.  When your tow vehicle brake controller applies 12 volt
power to the magnets, they grab the inside of the hub which twists the
magnet rearward because of the direction of rotation.  This actuates a lever
arm which spreads the brake shoes causing them to make contact with the
brake drum.

BTW, if you discover that your brake magnets are not working or your brake
shoes are excessively worn, it is possible to buy the entire backing plate,
called a "loaded backing plate" with new shoes, magnets, springs, clips,
arms, etc. for about $40 per backing plate rather than paying close to $30
each for magnets and probably another $20 - 25 per wheel for shoes.

You can test the brake magnets by applying power with a battery charger.

Harvey