Forum Discussion

Animal223's avatar
Animal223
Explorer
May 28, 2013

Grease inside brakes

Hello All!
I have a 2003 Keystone Outback 26RS trailer, new to me last summer. Not knowing the exact maintenance history on the trailer, as I'm getting ready to start the season I decided to take a look at the bearings and brakes.

I've only checked out one so far, but it appears some grease leaked from behind the inside bearing grease seal, probably through use of the AL-KO E-Z Lube fitting (I don't plan on using that feature since it's easy enough to grease the bearings by hand). There wasn't a ton of grease, but there was some buildup on the brake mechanism that had been slung from the back of the hub.

My question is, does this require new pads / magnets? Those parts don't look coated in grease, and wear-wise are fine. The brakes work, though after setting up the controller according to instructions, the setting is higher than mid-point and sometimes grabs at lower speeds. I don't want to waste money, but I want to make sure my trailer is safe.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

JF
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 28, 2013
    No, it does not require you to replace the pads. Gets some brake cleaner and a small brush along with some very clean rags. You will be able to see for certain when the pads are clean - it will be obvious. Then make sure the drums are just as clean.
    The magnets can just be sprayed until clean.

    This is exactly why I try to get folks to avoid the EZ lubes. They leak and since the brakes still work, they logically feel all is fine.
    Hand packing is the best!
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 28, 2013
    fj12ryder wrote:
    I thought Dexter made the EZ-Lube?


    Al-Ko's have them as well.
  • RCMAN46's avatar
    RCMAN46
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    If the brakes grab as you indicated they have had grease on them. They can not be cleaned and will need to be replaced. A grease contaminated brake shoe will not do the job if you ever have to do an emergency stop from 60 mph.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 28, 2013
    RCMAN46 wrote:
    If the brakes grab as you indicated they have had grease on them. They can not be cleaned and will need to be replaced. A grease contaminated brake shoe will not do the job if you ever have to do an emergency stop from 60 mph.


    I respect your opinion but I have to disagree. Brake pads are so dense that they just don't absorb grease or oil. It sits on the surface where it discolors the pad but with solvent, it is easily removed and is obvious when clean.
    Shops that make money off of unknowing customers have perpetrated this myth of pads being unusable.
    Shops that aren't profit based, such as those that work on their own machinery don't waste money on new pads ~ and it's not a matter of being cheap. For instance, it's common procedure for big rig shops to clean pads after a seal has failed because the oil and grease is easily removed to the point the pads look and works like new. Again, they don't do this because they're cheap, far from it they are more safety oriented because it's their own equipment and livelihood on the line. Also keep in mind the big pads are dirt cheap but they still elect to simply clean them.

    Best regards,
    Scott
  • Animal223's avatar
    Animal223
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll start with a good cleaning of the pads and go from there.
    Thanks again for the help!
    Best,
    JF
  • rjsurfer's avatar
    rjsurfer
    Explorer
    May 30, 2013
    I never had any luck cleaning off grease soaked linings, at least the cheap ass linings that came with the camper. They were very black in color and never lightened up after multiple cleanings with brake cleaner.

    Now I never took the linings out and did everything in place which might explain it but I just don't think so.

    Rather than play around anymore with them I just bought 4 new HD self adjusting brake assembles from Etrailer and now the brakes are better than new.

    Ron W.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2013
    Eastern Marine is an odd name for Travel Trailer/Fiver Brakes but they have a lot of them and run periodic specials. You might want to get on their email list. They all that many emails to aggravate you and the trailer brake sale prices are excellent. I've used them only for Boat Trailer Brakes and other Parts. They've been excellent and the people you can call about parts actually understand parts. They've gone and looked at parts, taken measurements, etc. for me over the phone.

    Oh, I'd replace the shoes (or buy new assemblies) and probably NOT use the "easy lube" system for 1. Drum Brakes that 2. Don't get submerged in water like a Boat Trailer. Or at least your TT better not get submerged like a booat trailer...

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