Forum Discussion

Casinojunkie's avatar
Casinojunkie
Explorer
Jan 21, 2015

replacing electric brakes

I have a 5th wheel 12 years old and am planning to replace the brakes and pack the wheel bearings and replace the hub seals.
It has 2 6,000# axles and hubs are 12" 6 hole.
My questions are 1. without taking it apart would the brakes be 12" x 2"? 2. Is the original electric actuator ok to use? 3. Is it best to replace the brake shoes, springs etc, or purchase the brakes installed on the 5 hole backing plate? 4. Where can the parts be purchased? 5. Is packing the bearings with Super Tech grease the correct grease to use, and should the void in the hub be filled with grease? 6. Where can the correct grease seals be purchased? I used to pack my own automobile wheels and install the brakes.
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

8 Replies

  • Dandy_Dan's avatar
    Dandy_Dan
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2015
    For Dexter Axles, bearings and grease seals can be had from an autoparts store. At least ours were and were American parts.Bearings i believe were Timken.
  • 352's avatar
    352
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2015
    Buy the backing plate package and a drum to match it. Do it right the first time. Magnets and drums !!!!!!!!. Do the research.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 21, 2015
    I'd do the whole assy. The electric magnet is probably worn down too if the pads are that bad.
  • OH48Lt's avatar
    OH48Lt
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2015
    There are some complete brake kits on ebay, competitive priced, brand name (Dexter Al-co, etc).
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Jan 21, 2015
    I purchased the complete 12x2 brake package from my local camping world. They were about $79 and included five new mounting nuts/washers and electrical connections. Even though my trailer had manual adjusting brakes from the factory, I purchased self adjusting brakes so I don't have to crawl under the trailer every 3000 miles to adjust the brakes.

    I ordered the grease seals from E-trailer.com.

    You'll need to pull one of the wheels to verify the grease seal number you have and to confirm the brake size.
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Jan 21, 2015
    I second the whole assembly.... cut the wires , usually 4 bolts off and 4 back on.. re-connect wires.. brake job complete ! It really does not get any easier!!! Just remember that there is a right side and left side kit for some ( or all??) as far as the size.. YOU will have to verify that part ..
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 21, 2015
    You need to jack it up and look. I could be either 12X2 or 12X2-1/2. When you figure it out, just go buy the whole assemblies. They are usually about 50 dollars each.

About RV Newbies

4,032 PostsLatest Activity: Dec 23, 2025