Brake Performance After Changing Brake Assemblies
Hey all!
Due to leaking grease seals, contaminated components, and an upcoming trip, I changed out my brake assemblies. I decided to put the Dexter self-adjusting assemblies on my Lippert 5200lb axles and repack the bearings with new seals of course. eTrailer suggested the Dexters and I've read where many have used Dexter on Lippert in case some may think that's the issue. Just finished testing the brakes. Most information I've read on it says to start controller out at 5, get up to about 25 and use the controller only to stop the rig. If the tires do not lock up, increase by .5 until they do. This is the appropriate setting, again, according to the literature I've read. So, ok, got it. Also, a site says to "burnish the brakes" doing 40 to 20 slowing many times using the controller. Ok, got that too. These are self-adjusting so they may be off some and need to fine tune despite me doing an initial "light rub" adjustment. Ok, wow, lots to consider. Now, here are the results of my test trying to do all these things:
1. Did about 10, 40 to 20 slows over about 5 miles.
2. Tested controller. Worked up to 10 on the controller, and still, it would not lock up the tires.
3. Did about 10 or so--engage and release--actions going from about 50 mph to 5 mpg the thought being I'm advancing the self-adjusting feature.
4. Tested controller. At 10, it would not lock up the tires. At 10, it felt like it was better at stopping, but it's still at 10.
5. Pulled over. Brakes were extremely hot.
6. On my street coming home, did many 10 mph to stop using controller only. Decent braking at 10. Backed up and stopped many times using only the controller. Stopped very well backing up.
7. Braking was better than when I left house, but am far from satisfied.
I expect the controller to engage the trailer aggressively at around 5 or 6 and I'm not there. So, I'm hoping you guys can give me some feedback on your experience after changing brake assemblies. Will it pick up much better later after brakes brake in or self-adjuster is where it needs to be? Should I take off the drums and inspect? Anything else? Have an 09 F250 integrated controller and the trailer is right at 10,000. Appreciate the time guys.
Brent
Due to leaking grease seals, contaminated components, and an upcoming trip, I changed out my brake assemblies. I decided to put the Dexter self-adjusting assemblies on my Lippert 5200lb axles and repack the bearings with new seals of course. eTrailer suggested the Dexters and I've read where many have used Dexter on Lippert in case some may think that's the issue. Just finished testing the brakes. Most information I've read on it says to start controller out at 5, get up to about 25 and use the controller only to stop the rig. If the tires do not lock up, increase by .5 until they do. This is the appropriate setting, again, according to the literature I've read. So, ok, got it. Also, a site says to "burnish the brakes" doing 40 to 20 slowing many times using the controller. Ok, got that too. These are self-adjusting so they may be off some and need to fine tune despite me doing an initial "light rub" adjustment. Ok, wow, lots to consider. Now, here are the results of my test trying to do all these things:
1. Did about 10, 40 to 20 slows over about 5 miles.
2. Tested controller. Worked up to 10 on the controller, and still, it would not lock up the tires.
3. Did about 10 or so--engage and release--actions going from about 50 mph to 5 mpg the thought being I'm advancing the self-adjusting feature.
4. Tested controller. At 10, it would not lock up the tires. At 10, it felt like it was better at stopping, but it's still at 10.
5. Pulled over. Brakes were extremely hot.
6. On my street coming home, did many 10 mph to stop using controller only. Decent braking at 10. Backed up and stopped many times using only the controller. Stopped very well backing up.
7. Braking was better than when I left house, but am far from satisfied.
I expect the controller to engage the trailer aggressively at around 5 or 6 and I'm not there. So, I'm hoping you guys can give me some feedback on your experience after changing brake assemblies. Will it pick up much better later after brakes brake in or self-adjuster is where it needs to be? Should I take off the drums and inspect? Anything else? Have an 09 F250 integrated controller and the trailer is right at 10,000. Appreciate the time guys.
Brent
