Trailer brake cable replacement

[Hweebe]

My trailers galvanised brake cable has snapped due to rust. I’m thinking about replacing with a plastic coated gal cable or a stainless steel cable. What cable material does everyone use? Pros cons?

[shakey55]

I replaced mine about six years ago with plastic coated gal and have never had a problem. Can’t say any more about it

[Ed.]

I replaced the cable a few years ago with the galv. cable and already thinking about replacing it again, will try and find the plastic coated cable next, apparently stainless cable isnot  recommended as stainless metal cable can fatigue and crack. Although thinking back mine might have been zinc plated rather than galvanized.

[pegz]

I had plastic covered cable and had to replace it after 2 years due to corrosion causing it to snap

i think the plastic holds the water in

[Ed.]

So it looks like we can't win no matter what cable we use. The cable itself isn't all that expensive in the grand scheme of things but it is just a P.I.T.A. and annoying  to keep having to replace it every couple of years.

[PolyGF]

Stainless all the way, including the shackles and cable clamps, the way I look at it a longer life span and maybe less chance of premature failure if you’re miles from home, just my 2c’s worth

[Ed.]

Yep, may be the go, did some looking on the web and I think I may go with 6.4mm 7x19 304 cable next time I need to replace it, I figure the metal fatigue might not be as bad an issue as having the cable corrode out on me.

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

My uncle uses a wire cable. He has not replaced it once, that I know of, in recent time. So maybe a Stainless wire cable would be good?

Cheers Hamish

[Hweebe]

Yeah tough call on the cable replacement....seems differing experience from everyone. I may just treat this as something that requires preventative maintenance. Would like to understand if stainless steel wire has issues with fatigue breakages. Differing opinions on whether this is an issue when using for brake cables.

[Angry51]

Use stainless to hold bore pumps up in bores/wells so

dont think moisture is a factor.

It's always used on sail boats so can handle the salt.

That's my first choice, only thing I can suggest is the cable was rubbing on 

something for it to break.

Just my 2 cents.

[marty]

Stainless for me - and as PolyGF said, replace the clamps with stainless too. Done on it my last two boats and no problems once done.

[Hweebe]

Thanks @marty after speaking to easytow (manufacturer) they also offered stainless as an option on their trailers, so stainless steel fatigue is not a concern under this application using for brakes.

Was told to source 5mm 7x19 304 stainless wire (more flexible). I will also purchase the new stainless steel clamps.

Thanks for everyones input.