new brake shoes versus new plate assembly

dockmasterdave wrote:
IE cut and splice or unplug/plug in ? TIA

Cut and re-splice, with some heatshrink crimp connectors.

The original wiring is just crimped connected too.

The biggest benefit is the time savings in just R&Ring the whole brake assembly

The new complete assemblies are so cheap that it doesn't make sense to replace shoes anymore. New magnets, drums, etc, very cheap.

I just ordered new shoes only for my 5200lb axles. $90 for all 4. It was approx. $230 for 4 complete brake assemblies. However I did replace my magnets about 5 or so years ago. So they are OK (I inspected them when checking the brakes over the weekend). If I still have it,it will get complete new brake assemblies next brake job. By then it will also need drums.

+1 to just replace it all. Get the drums turned so the shoes will bed-in right.

And there is always the disk brake option. A bit more involved for both time and money.

Agree. Replace it all.

And consider installing the upgrade to self adjusting assemblies. I did the self adjusting upgrade and so far have no complaints.

If your brakes shoe are worn, most likely the magnets are about gone to, get the whole brake assemble!

Buy the whole assembly. Magnets, springs, and retainers are subject to wear too, and if the shoes are getting thin, then the rest of that stuff is suspect too. Plus as mentioned, it's easy and cheaper.

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
I replaced mine years ago with just shoes. Big mistake. At that time I didn't know they sold the whole thing. My magnets were shot also. When you buy it piece meal it gets expensive.

You can put a wire nut on it like I did or buy fancy weatherhead connectors and put them on. Or just twist and tape them up. I have had luck with all 3.

This is the way to go, I think it is easier to remove/replace 4/5 bolts and cut 2 wires and splice back as to fool with shoes, retainers, and springs for each wheel. JMHO

New complete assembly is the way to go....

I replaced mine years ago with just shoes. Big mistake. At that time I didn't know they sold the whole thing. My magnets were shot also. When you buy it piece meal it gets expensive.

You can put a wire nut on it like I did or buy fancy weatherhead connectors and put them on. Or just twist and tape them up. I have had luck with all 3.