DYI Electric brakes
Preparing for a cross country 12,500 mi. Currently have about 15K on them now. Any suggestions welcomed of what I should look for when I pull the wheels and inspect .
Forum Discussion
Planning a long trip? Or any trip? I always think about what can stop the trailer from being towed. 1)Tires 2)lights 3)bearings 4)brakes 5)accident
(1) Carry a spare, and the tools to change. Also the understanding that the spare is not to get me home, but to a place to get the tire fixed or replaced.
(2)Lights, I carry replacement bulbs spare plug and socket, some wire, tools to diagnose and fix any problem I could have.
(3)Bearings are maintained more often than needed. And when I pack the bearings, I pack a extra set, and put them in the WB grease tub, and in the incase box. Races, seals, cotter pins, nut and washers, well packed in a box also go for a ride. Of course, I have tools and knowhow to change if needed.
(4) brakes. Shoes and drums are wear items, and if inspected when doing bearings, are unlikely to fail. Springs will last the life of shoes if shoes stay in adjustment. Magnets, the wire could break off, but if you pay attention to how routed, it is unlikely. If it does, I have a spare. Any other brake problems can be fixed with same tool and skill set as lights.
(5)Accident is the hard one. By keeping up on the others on the list, and understanding that I'm not the best driver on the road, I must pay attention, I have so far avoided that issue
Many people, including my wife, think I carry so much, I must expect to have trouble. But in millions of miles of driving, other than a burned out light, I have never had all the tools and parts to properly do the repair. So I think more things I can fix, less likely to have trouble. Often I have managed so get things rigged to get home.
(1) Carry a spare, and the tools to change. Also the understanding that the spare is not to get me home, but to a place to get the tire fixed or replaced.
(2)Lights, I carry replacement bulbs spare plug and socket, some wire, tools to diagnose and fix any problem I could have.
(3)Bearings are maintained more often than needed. And when I pack the bearings, I pack a extra set, and put them in the WB grease tub, and in the incase box. Races, seals, cotter pins, nut and washers, well packed in a box also go for a ride. Of course, I have tools and knowhow to change if needed.
(4) brakes. Shoes and drums are wear items, and if inspected when doing bearings, are unlikely to fail. Springs will last the life of shoes if shoes stay in adjustment. Magnets, the wire could break off, but if you pay attention to how routed, it is unlikely. If it does, I have a spare. Any other brake problems can be fixed with same tool and skill set as lights.
(5)Accident is the hard one. By keeping up on the others on the list, and understanding that I'm not the best driver on the road, I must pay attention, I have so far avoided that issue
Many people, including my wife, think I carry so much, I must expect to have trouble. But in millions of miles of driving, other than a burned out light, I have never had all the tools and parts to properly do the repair. So I think more things I can fix, less likely to have trouble. Often I have managed so get things rigged to get home.
