EZ Lube axles/hubs

TBammer wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:

TBammer wrote:
I just pulled the drums on my ez lubes and what a mess. Good news, no leakage into the brakes. Brakes need replacing though. Pricing things out and wonder if the cost for never adjust is worth it. Thoughts? Also, are the bearings that come with the drum packages any good?

How many miles do you estimate you have on your brakes? Was the braking material pretty much gone? How much do you estimate you have left? I've checked mine and was appalled at how thin the shoe material is compared to car brakes.

TIA

Brake lining was pretty thin in my estimate when compared to what I used to see when doing car brakes back in the day. Lots of brake dust in the drums. I think they are original (previous owners did not use the trailer much). I had them checked when I bought (2 years ago, put about 6K on since then) and the mechanic said they were used but not replacement level. Also replacing 10 year old tires. Wondering if it cheaper to replace the drums or see if they can be turned on a drum lathe and reuse. Shoot, does anyone have a drum lathe anymore?

The Dexter tolerance on lining replacement is 1/16" or less remaining. I think Alko is the same. And yes, these are no where the same thickness of car or trucks from years gone by. You will be shocked...

Turning brake drums. If you can find a good shop, it is doable. However.... I asked at the local auto parts store which had a machine shop if they could turn my trailer drums and what tolerance would they hold? He said he could turn them but could not quote or guarantee a final turned tolerance. He said they would be in spec. He was only charging $15 a drum. I told him if he cannot guarantee a tolerance we agree on, then I'm not interested. For $15 I have little confidence they will even indicate the drum in accurately before they start turning them. Just chuck it up and go.

Hope this helps

John