Identifying trailer brake cables

How to identifying trailer brake cables

 

Identifying trailer brake cables. Over the years trailer brake cables have altered. In the 80’s when bowden brake cables were first used they had a fixed eye. Fitting these cables was not easy because it involved removing the brake shoes. As a result in the 1990’s Brake manufacturers started to produce Detachable brake cables as standard. It is easy to change a detachable trailer brake cable without taking the hub off.

 

Detachable Trailer brake cables

 

The 2 most commonly found Detachable trailer brake cables are Knott and Al-ko. These cables attach to the trailer brake in the same ways. However the cups on the end of the cables are different diameters as shown in the diagrams below.

Identifying trailer brake cables (al-ko) with 26mm cup

Identifying trailer brake cables (al-ko)

Identifying trailer brake cables (Knott) with 22mm cup

Identifying trailer brake cables (Knott)

 

The other end of the trailer brake cable can also differ. These can have either a Nipple or a thread on the front as shown in the images below.

 

Al-ko ‘nipple ended’ brake cable

Knott ‘Threaded end’ cable

 

Available types of detachable trailer brake cables.

 

When using these simple identification processes there are 6 Types of cable that you can buy.

  • Standard Knott Detachable cables. – These brake cables have the 22mm cup and and a M8 thread on the front. The Outer on these brake cables is usually Black.
  • Stainless steel Knott Detachable cables. – These are as the standard cables. Although they have a Stainless steel inner and other parts have a better plating than standard. Knott original Stainless cables have a Blue outer.
  • Knott Pronto Detachable cables. – having a 22mm cup and a large nipple on the front. The Outer on these brake cables is usually Black.
  • Stainless steel Knott Pronto Detachable cables. – These are the same as the Knott Pronto cables. Although they have stainless inner cable and better plating on other parts. The Outer on these brake cables is usually Blue.
  • Al-ko New Style / Profi cables – These have been standard Al-ko Cables for many years these have a 26mm cup and a large nipple on the front. Al-ko Original Cables usually have a RED outer. Furthermore part numbers and cable lengths are usually marker on the outer cable. The inner cable has a Teflon liner to make it operate smother.
  • Al-ko old style – These cables have a 26mm cup and a M8 thread on the front. Although these are still used but not to popular. The Outer on these brake cables is usually Black.

 

Knott Fixed eye brake cables

 

Identifying trailer brake cables for fixed eye cables is also easy. These cables have two major differences due to the way they fit. Firstly, this cable uses a metal loop or ‘eye’ to connect to the expander inside of the brake. This is different to the newer type with a small nipple. The second difference is the cup. Fixed eye cables don’t have a cup because they slide inside the cable cover on the backplate. Please see the image below for more information.

‘Fixed-eye’ brake cable

Trailer brakes in the 80’s and early 90’s used fixed eye cables. Both late fixed trailer brakes and early Auto reverse trailer brakes used these. They  were probably used by every trailer brake manufacturer at this time. Brakes that commonly used these cables include Lockheed, Knott and Al-ko.

 

Identifying trailer brake cable lengths

 

After you know the type of brake cable you also need to know the cables length. Measuring the cable length is probably the easiest just measure the length of the outer cable.

 

More information and links for trailer brake cables

 

If you prefer to watch a video on How to identify a trailer brake cable We have a Youtube Video.

To see all the brake cables we sell goto our trailer brake cable page on our website.

Our website also has other Trailer brake parts.