Forum Discussion

TundraTower's avatar
TundraTower
Explorer
Sep 08, 2019

replacing brakes on 1 of 4 wheels?

Relatively new 5,400 # Dexter axles and drums on our TT, have less than 2,000 miles.

I developed had a grease leak on one wheel and that brake locked up so much it ruined a tire in 350 miles. I took it apart and replaced the grease seal, and cleaned shoes and drum with red-label brake cleaner, then laquer thinner, then more brake cleaner. Just took it for a test drive today and that one wheel is still grabbing.

SO, looks like I need to replace the shoes on that one wheel. I've never replaced brake shoes on just one side of an axle, but given how new the axles are I can't see why not. The other side of this axle is doing fine.

I know the braking on that axle will be uneven for awhile until the new shoes on one side conform to the radius of the drum, but I was thinking about using a belt sander to try to shape the new shoes to hasten that wear-in.

Anyone ever tried just replacing brakes on one side of an axle? Any reason not to?

Am I missing anything else to stop the grabbing/sliding on this side?

Thanks
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2019
    On our (new) 5er, shortly after we purchased it, (probably 3000 miles on it), a spring broke on one wheel brake. It was griding awful, sounded horrible. I limped the trailer back to the dealership. Under warranty they replaced the entire wheel (on both sides). The spring destroyed too much inside to save anything, and sounds like it was just easier to replace the whole thing.

    I asked why they did the second wheel .... on the opposite side, same axle. They said it was required to keep the braking power/resistance equal on both sides. Considering warranty covered it all, I didn't argue the point.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Sep 08, 2019
    You can try and do just the one side. If it stops or acts funny then replace the other side. With that low of miles it shouldn't matter. But the shoes are sold in pairs.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2019
    Do you have the EZ-Lube feature where there is a grease fitting on the axle end? Did you use that fitting?
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Sep 08, 2019
    opnspaces wrote:
    Shoes are usually sold in pairs. You can buy complete brake and backing plate assembly for about $50.

    I personally would not replace brakes on just one side. You will never find replacement shoes with the same friction as the other side.

    As far as the grabbing. That could be that the shoes are contaminated. Another reason though could be the grabbing brakes are extremely out of adjustment.

    No I would never hit the brake shoes with a belt sander.


    X2
    Replace both sides on that axle.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Sep 08, 2019
    Shoes are usually sold in pairs. You can buy complete brake and backing plate assembly for about $50.

    I personally would not replace brakes on just one side. You will never find replacement shoes with the same friction as the other side.

    As far as the grabbing. That could be that the shoes are contaminated. Another reason though could be the grabbing brakes are extremely out of adjustment.

    No I would never hit the brake shoes with a belt sander.

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