How to identify trailer brake shoes

Brake shoes are a vital part of the running gear on any piece of towed equipment, and should be inspected regularly (at least every 6 months, along with the brake cables) and changed when the brake linings are worn. When the time comes to replace your brake shoes Trailparts Group can assist with all the common brake shoes. All of the brake shoes listed on our website are genuine OEM brake shoes, and are sold in an axle set, as it is important to replace the shoes on both sides of the trailer at the same time.

PLEASE NOTE: Some newer trailers may be fitted with auto-adjusting brake shoes. If this is the case on your trailer please contact us.

How to identify your brake shoes

Step 1 - Identify your brake shoes manufacturer
Most UK trailers will be running on either AL-KO, Knott or BPW brake shoes, with AL-KO and Knott being the most common. Genuine AL-KO & Knott brake shoes will have the manufacturer’s name stamped onto the brake shoe (see images below), however if your trailer is fitted with BPW or aftermarket shoes, or the shoes are too old to make out the manufacturer’s name, there are a few additional ways in which brake shoes can be identified as follows:
- Check the coupling - if the coupling is AL-KO or Knott, it will most likely have brake shoes from the same manufacturer.
- Check the brake cables - if you can make out a manufacturer’s name on the brake cables, the brake shoes will be from the same manufacturer
- WhatsApp (or email) Trailparts Group with a photo - we can identify the brake shoe manufacturer from a photo

Step 2 - Measure the internal diameter of the hub
The internal diameter of the hub (or drum) is the first dimension of the brake shoe. So a BR907 AL-KO  200x51mm brake shoe kit will fit a brake drum that has an internal diameter of 200mm, as shown in the image below



Step 3 - Measure the width of the brake shoe
The width of the brake shoes is the other dimension required to identify your brake shoe. For a BR907 AL-KO brake shoe kit (200x51mm), this dimension will measure 51mm, as shown in the image below.


You should now have identified the brake shoes required for your trailer - congratulations! The below table runs through the top selling brake shoes to help identify the part number you require. Don’t forget to order one-shot nuts for your trailer if required!