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myredracer's avatar
myredracer
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2019

How long should drums & brakes shoes last?

Just started a bearing repack on our TT.

First drum I pulled off is badly scored. The shoes have what I think is decent thickness left (about 1/8") but parts of them are badly scored. The TT has 12" brakes, weighs 7K lbs and has 5 seasons on it. We've been on lots of mountain roads all over and the brakes have gotten a workout for sure but I've always used tow/haul for engine braking and have downshifted when needed to save the brakes.

I don't know if the other 3 drums are going to be the same or not. It's been 3 seasons since I last did a repack (I should have done it sooner, I know). I can't imagine the drums & shoes deteriorating that much in 3 seasons? The b/c was set up correctly too.

I guess this is a good illustration why it's better to do a manual bearing repack rather than just pump grease in.

Looks like we're in for a new set of drums and shoes. :(

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