Leaking Lippert Axle Seals
I seem to remember reading a post or two about the seals on some Lippert axles being problematic. Searched but couldn't find anything. FWIW, the brakes on our 5th wheel toy hauler (with 7k Lippe...
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OP UPDATE:
Dealer replaced all four backing plate braking assemblies and brake drums under warranty yesterday. When the dealer notified Lippert how badly the drums were scored, they immediately ok'd replacement of the drums. Glad it was under warranty. This dealer's labor rates are $140 an hour. Add in retail pricing on all these parts, this job could have easily cost $1500. Could have done it DIY using $600 in parts from etrailer.
Anyhow, after I left the dealer, braking was still mediocre. It took about 10-15 miles of intermittent braking on some back roads to seat-in the new brake shoes. It wasn't long before the braking dramatically improved.
Our 5th wheel weighs 11k empty (CAT scaled). Before this repair, we always had the P3 set for maximum braking (12 volts) just to get minimal braking. Now we can lock up the wheels on dirt with only 4.5 volts. Also discovered by accident it will start locking up one or two wheels, on pavement, with only 7.5 volts.
Since we're now getting good braking performance with only 5-6 volts, we might be able to go back to using our OEM Ram integrated brake controller again. It's capable of producing 8 volts.
Still keeping our options open to replace these drum brakes with disc brakes. As long as these new drum brakes continue to perform like this, we'll stick with them. However, not holding my breath. If braking starts to degrade for any reason, we won't attempt any further repairs---just replace 'em with disc brakes DIY.
Dealer replaced all four backing plate braking assemblies and brake drums under warranty yesterday. When the dealer notified Lippert how badly the drums were scored, they immediately ok'd replacement of the drums. Glad it was under warranty. This dealer's labor rates are $140 an hour. Add in retail pricing on all these parts, this job could have easily cost $1500. Could have done it DIY using $600 in parts from etrailer.
Anyhow, after I left the dealer, braking was still mediocre. It took about 10-15 miles of intermittent braking on some back roads to seat-in the new brake shoes. It wasn't long before the braking dramatically improved.
Our 5th wheel weighs 11k empty (CAT scaled). Before this repair, we always had the P3 set for maximum braking (12 volts) just to get minimal braking. Now we can lock up the wheels on dirt with only 4.5 volts. Also discovered by accident it will start locking up one or two wheels, on pavement, with only 7.5 volts.
Since we're now getting good braking performance with only 5-6 volts, we might be able to go back to using our OEM Ram integrated brake controller again. It's capable of producing 8 volts.
Still keeping our options open to replace these drum brakes with disc brakes. As long as these new drum brakes continue to perform like this, we'll stick with them. However, not holding my breath. If braking starts to degrade for any reason, we won't attempt any further repairs---just replace 'em with disc brakes DIY.
