Forum Discussion

Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
Oct 02, 2022

10"/400# Axle - Brake Servicing Questions

Hello all--

Preparing to service bearings, seals, and brakes.
2011 Outback 250RS
AL-KO 4400# Axles

NOTE...I used a Trailer Aid Plus and it did a great job of lifting adjacent wheel of the ground 1"-2". Great and easy to use product. If I ever get a flat and need to change tire/wheel, this will come in very handy! NO jacking involved!

I did purchase a race and seal driver (HF ICON brand) and already had a Lisle bearing packer. I may not have needed the race and seal driver, but I wanted it!!

I was able to pull wheels and inspect everything. Bearings and races appear good (no pits, gouges, or signs of blueing/overheating). Bearings are made in China and sizes are L68149 and L67048.
I have AL-KO 4400# axles.

I've attached a few pics of brakes, hubs, etc.

Upon inspection, I have a few questions. My brake references are based on the attached pic of backing plate of drivers/left side of trailer - front/forward drum:

1. I noticed that the magnet arm appears loose, and when I push/move it to the left, only the right side brake shoe moves outwards towards drum. Is this correct? If so, when does the left shoe move?

2. Right brake show mentioned above, is down to approx. 1/16" of lining. Left shoe has approx double the lining. This is probably due to right shoe moving and not sure if left show is moving at all.

3. Wear holes in magnet appear to still have some depth. I believe they are good.

4. There are no gouges and deep scratches in the drums wear surfaces. Also, no blueing or signs of overheating. I believe they are good.

5. I do see the brake wires plastic/rubber cover has split. Is there something better than electrical tape for covering these wires? I am unable to get heat shrink tubing over wires.

6. Checked spindle and small hole where grease exits (from EZ lube zirc fitting) and all appears in good shape and no gouges and sharp edges.

What else am I missing?
Is there more to be inspected?

Was considering changing bearings/races over to Made in USA Timkens. Thoughts?

Thanks!









  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Oct 04, 2022
    Called Dexter and was told the AL-KO T44 (4400#) axle is OBSOLETE. No axles/parts have been made since 2015. NO Dexter parts are interchangeable. So, basically if you own this axle and need parts, you are SOL!

    Sad to know you have perfectly good axles, that are not that old, but you are now unable to maintain/service due to unavailable parts....SAD!

    So....I have decided to repack bearings and add new seals to each wheel and call it good. If I find a bad shoe or other bad brake part, as I disassemble each wheel, I'll deal with it as it comes.

    After a few trips, if we really like the the trailer and the floor plan, we can then decide to either change out axles or sell it or purchase a newer unit.

    My Trailer:
    2011 Keystone Outback 250RS
    This is / was a very popular floor plan

    NOTE: Cost of each axle, custom built to my specs, is $650. That includes a 4200# axle (My GVWR is 7500#), new complete brake assemblies, bearings, races, and seals. For 4 new leaf springs, and 4 new U bolt kits an additional $300 for all. This is NOT installed. but picked up locally.
  • Gdetrailer's avatar
    Gdetrailer
    Explorer III
    Oct 03, 2022
    I would recommend going directly to Dexter Axle, give them a call.

    Their contact info is HERE

    When you get a hold of a live body, ask for technical assistance.

    I did this many many yrs ago when the trailer I bought had obsolete "star rims" and the axle brand was acquired by Dexter. I was wanting to change drums that were meant for the star rims for standard 5 bolt drums. The technical department was able to cross reference the part numbers that were cast into the drums and was able to confirm that the drums I selected would work and fit. They were very nice and very helpful back then and hopefully they are still that way.

    I suspect as long as the drum is 10" or 12" and the bearings are standard sizes most likely you will find either drums for 3500 or 5200 axles respectively would fit.

    The only thing I see that would be an issue is the backing plate from what I understand is a non standard bolt pattern. That is easy to fix, you should be able to simply replace the brake shoes (IE transfer new shoes to the old backing plate). You might have to buy the entire backing plate but as long as the brake shoes use the same mounting, same shape and size they most likely will fit. Unless the backing plates rust out, they don't go bad. Trailer brakes are often changed by replacing as a whole assembly because it is cheaper to buy the entire assembly than buying individual parts.

    But, with a bit of luck, you might be able to get enough info from Dexter for future needs.
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2022
    Just found out that my AL-KO T-44 (4400#) axle is obsolete! Apparently, AL-KO was purchased by Dexter and Dexter discontinued the 4400# axle! NO parts....drums, shoes, etc!
    Bearings and seals yes, but nothing else.

    Read the above on many posts, on several forums, on posts that are several years, old up to current 2022.

    Here's etrailer's response....

    https://www.etrailer.com/question-216461.html

    Darn, just can't catch a break!
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2022
    very true some timken products are made in other countries. BUT there made too very high quility. specks.in the old days I,ve cut a straw silde it over the bad spot then filled it with silicone.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 02, 2022
    You may wan to read this:
    Where Are Timken Bearings Made? (Are Timken Bearings Good?)
    Reviews /By James V.
    Follow the money. That is a good guideline when it comes to products you buy. Businesses are in business to make money and they will look for any angle or loophole that ensures they will make a profit. The label is not always telling the truth where something is made.

    Where are Timken bearings made? The label may say made in the USA but the reality is that it may only be assembled in the country. Some Timken parts are made in Taiwan, India, Romania, and other countries. The box will tell you where the company had it made to their specifications.

    I would be concerned about the damage to protective cover on magnet wiring.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 02, 2022
    Very clear report and pictures. Not missing anything IMO.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Oct 02, 2022
    timken bearings for me. you have to change race can,t mix them everything looks real good and clean.I use double lip seals. not needed just what I like. and it looks like your doing a very good job. you could do this as a part time job.

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