OK so am going thru the new to me 5ver since being used you don't really know,Its my 1st trailer of any size anyways and the first with brakes, My sprinter has two axles and while I was packing bearings and adjusting brakes I did notice that the rear axles brakes needed more adjustment then the front axles brakes. is this common, all the pads seemed to be in ok condition (enough pad left so I didn't replace) not really sure how the brakes work, does the magnet engage with the front face of the drum and pull on the lever which engages the pad ?? the magnet was spring loaded to stay in contact with the drum ??Thanks in advance yall always seem to be helpful to us newbeeeees maybe one day I can answer with authority!!

Here is some help, might not be what you have, but at least a start. http://www.dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/600-8K_Service_Manual/Electric_Brakes.pdf Being your packing the bearings, why not take a hub down somewhere and get what you might need in case of repair on road. You'll also find out exactly what axle you have so you can look up right manual.I carry a spare set of bearings, oil seal. Many with the "never lube" carry the whole hub.

Drum brakes are not self adjusting like on a car. You have to manually adjust them when needed.

Check the front brakes to make sure they are properly engaging. If not, this may be a reason for extra wear on rear brakes. You can check for loose wires going to front axle, check them with an electric meter to make sure they are getting juice, or just jack up one side, have someone apply the brakes and try to spin both front and rear wheels. If rear wheel locks and front doesn't, therein lies your issue.

I would set them up and pull onto a grave area, while moving forward step on the brakes or push the lever and see what the 4 corners are doing. If the prior owner had less weight on the front than the rear the front ties might have been sliding while the rears were providing the braking. Any difference in the wear on the front tires over the rear?

Bob/Olallawa wrote:I would set them up and pull onto a grave area, while moving forward step on the brakes or push the lever and see what the 4 corners are doing. Ah let the dead rest in peace :) Try a gravel area instead :)

brake maint ?? | Good Sam Community

path1
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014
Here is some help, might not be what you have, but at least a start. http://www.dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/600-8K_Service_Manual/Electric_Brakes.pdf

Being your packing the bearings, why not take a hub down somewhere and get what you might need in case of repair on road. You'll also find out exactly what axle you have so you can look up right manual.

I carry a spare set of bearings, oil seal. Many with the "never lube" carry the whole hub.
wandering1
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014
Drum brakes are not self adjusting like on a car. You have to manually adjust them when needed.
Miles_Away
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014
Check the front brakes to make sure they are properly engaging. If not, this may be a reason for extra wear on rear brakes. You can check for loose wires going to front axle, check them with an electric meter to make sure they are getting juice, or just jack up one side, have someone apply the brakes and try to spin both front and rear wheels. If rear wheel locks and front doesn't, therein lies your issue.
Bob_Olallawa
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014
I would set them up and pull onto a grave area, while moving forward step on the brakes or push the lever and see what the 4 corners are doing. If the prior owner had less weight on the front than the rear the front ties might have been sliding while the rears were providing the braking. Any difference in the wear on the front tires over the rear?
Mile_High
Explorer
Dec 01, 2014
Bob/Olallawa wrote:
I would set them up and pull onto a grave area, while moving forward step on the brakes or push the lever and see what the 4 corners are doing.

Ah let the dead rest in peace :) Try a gravel area instead :)
g4sbrg
Explorer
Dec 01, 2014
again the guys that have been there and done that come up with things I can understand and do with confidence. Thanks. and thanks for the spare bearing comments, I would feel better to have a set in the camper. it really wasn't very hard to do, basic tools nothing very special needed, I can see being able to do that while on a trip if needed. speaking of jacking up the wheels, I carry a 2 ton floor jack which did do the job with some leverage which is hard to achieve while underneath, would a bottle jack be better,
g4sbrg
Explorer
Dec 01, 2014
FYI, that link to the Dexter electric brake was fantastic !!!!!!!

Thanks
sk734
Explorer
Dec 01, 2014
I carry a 12 ton air bottle jack and it works well. My son welded a top for it that cradles the axle. Some will not jack up at the axle but I have done that for years without a problem.
Mile_High
Explorer
Dec 01, 2014
mobilcastle wrote:
I carry a 12 ton air bottle jack and it works well. My son welded a top for it that cradles the axle. Some will not jack up at the axle but I have done that for years without a problem.

Two things wrong with that - Welding on the jack which makes it now rated for nothing, and lifting on the axle, regardless of whether you have seen a problem or not - its a problem.
sk734
Explorer
Dec 01, 2014
Nothing is welded to the jack-it is a fitting. You can jack yours anyway you want. I've been jacking up axles for over 50 years with no problem.I always say each to his own.

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