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Asennusvideo AL-KO-jarruille
Fitting AL-KO brake shoes, step by step. The film below shows the whole job; the steps are written out here.
Step 1: Preparation
- Release the handbrake lever so the brakes are not under tension.
- Take off the wheels.
- Slacken the turnbuckle on the brake rod that connects to the brake cables.
Step 2: Remove the brake drum
- Remove the hub cap.
- Remove the split pin (if one is fitted) and unscrew the castle nut.
- Work the brake drum loose. If it is stuck, use a rubber mallet to free it.
Step 3: Remove the brake shoes
- Press in the pressure spring and release the locking plate on the back of the brake anchor plate.
- Remove the pressure spring and unhook both brake shoes at the same time.
- Photograph the springs and pins before you take them off, so you remember how they sit.
Step 4: Clean and adjust
- Clean the expander and the adjuster before fitting.
- Wind in the brake adjuster. Depending on the model it sits either on the adjuster itself or on the back of the brake anchor plate.
- Fit the new brake shoes in the reverse order and make sure every spring and pin is seated correctly.
Step 5: Fit the brake drum and tighten the castle nut
Taper roller bearings
- Use Valeryd quality grease (part no. 4999001) for the wheel bearing.
- Tighten the castle nut until the drum can only just be turned by hand.
- Fit the wheel and check that it runs freely and without play.
- Note: check the tightness again after a week or so.
Compact bearings
- Do not grease the bearing.
- Tighten the castle nut with a torque wrench to 280–300 Nm.
Step 6: Adjust the brake linings
- Adjust the linings until the wheels lock.
- Then back off until you hear a light scraping sound from the linings against the drum.
Step 7: Fit the brake cables and fine-adjust
- Fit the cables.
- Finally, adjust at the threaded rod on the compensator or at the turnbuckle.
Common questions about AL-KO brake shoes
How often do I need to change the brake shoes on a trailer with AL-KO brakes?
How long the brake shoes last depends on how much you use the trailer. In normal use, our VALERYD brake shoes last considerably longer than ordinary bonded shoes, thanks to our own production method. We recommend checking the shoes once a year and replacing them when the lining has worn down to about 2–3 mm.
What is the difference between AL-KO brake shoes 200×50 and 160×35?
The figures give the diameter of the brake drum (200 or 160 mm) and the width of the brake shoes (50 or 35 mm). Larger brakes are used on trailers with a higher gross weight. To pick the right shoes you need to check which size is fitted to your trailer — it is often on a plate on the axle, or in the vehicle documents.
Can I use the same brake shoes for a caravan as for a trailer?
Yes. AL-KO brake shoes work the same way whether they are fitted to a caravan or a trailer. What matters is choosing the right size for your brake drum. Our range of VALERYD ORIGINAL brake shoes fits all the common AL-KO brake systems.
How do I know when the brake linings need replacing?
Check the shoes through the inspection hole in the brake drum, or take the drum off completely. When the lining has worn down to 2–3 mm it is time to replace it. Other signs are uneven braking, a squealing noise, or the overrun damper travelling further in than normal when braking.
Do I need to grease the brakes on my AL-KO trailer?
The moving parts of the brake system should be greased regularly to keep them working properly. Grease the joints of the brake levers and the sliding surfaces of the overrun damper as the manufacturer specifies. Always use the right type of lubricant, and avoid getting grease on the brake linings or the inside of the drum.
What is the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes on a trailer?
Most trailers have drum brakes, where the shoes are pressed outwards against the inside of a rotating drum. Drum brakes are robust, well enclosed and work very well on trailers. Disc brakes are found mainly on heavier trailers and car transporters, where extra braking capacity is needed.