Mar-26-2017 01:56 PM
Mar-28-2017 06:46 AM
Gdetrailer wrote:
Perhaps "owning" a RV is not for you?
Don't trust the inspection mechanic, simple, MOVE ON TO ANOTHER.
I drive 15 miles one way to mechanics that I found are straight shooters good.. There are MANY "inspection stations" to choose from, just a matter of finding one that has constantly good mechanics.
I found mine at a local tire shop which does not only passenger vehicles but also heavy truck tires and mechanicals.. GOOD folks there.
I also stand right there while they inspect, they give me tips and pointers and I can give them the history of what has been done.
Don't trust, don't take it back and find another mechanic.
Not ALL mechanics are bad, there ARE good ones, just have to sift out the bad ones.
Mar-28-2017 05:54 AM
Gdetrailer wrote:
The only reason for me to replace was last inspection the mechanic found some cracks in the lining at the bottom of one of the brake shoes.. Most likely will not pass inspection this year..
Mar-27-2017 06:10 PM
westend wrote:Gdetrailer wrote:
The switchover for me was painless, called Dexter and asked for Technical assistance.. Tech asked for the drum part number and was able to cross it to a 3,500 lb axle..
The spindle size and length was the same as a 3,500 lb axle so I was good to go for the change over.
Thanks for that info. I currently have the older four bolt wheels and they are getting scarce. I may have to switch over to a more modern wheel.
And Lynnmor, that is about the nicest looking drum I've ever seen.
Mar-27-2017 06:00 PM
Lynnmor wrote:Gdetrailer wrote:
An out of round drum causing problems is NOT the fault of self adjusters, period.
An out of round drum is easy to find, heavy vibration while braking is one sure sign that a driver WILL FEEL even as far back as the trailer axles..
Another sure sign of out of round drums is the brakes lightly dragging then no drag or complete stop while turning wheel or drum when you have the tire off the ground during your own inspection (you DO periodically INSPECT your drums/brakes, DON'T YOU??? I sure do!).
PA has an annual inspection, so I CHECK MY OWN BRAKES BEFORE DRAGGING THE TRAILER TO THE INSPECTION STATION. Saves time and aggravation of a failed inspection.
I am in PA as well and hate having anyone mess with my brakes, bearings and seals. My vehicles get three inspections per year. First I inspect, second the inspection and third I fix what they touched.
Yes, I do all of my own work including the turning of brake drums. The idea that over-adjusting is not the fault of self-adjusters, you have to remember that the axle manufacturer often turns out poor quality. Folks that want the self-adjusting feature are just trying to get out of one more chore and they will never detect the grabbing of the brakes because they will never check.
Mar-27-2017 05:27 PM
Gdetrailer wrote:
The switchover for me was painless, called Dexter and asked for Technical assistance.. Tech asked for the drum part number and was able to cross it to a 3,500 lb axle..
The spindle size and length was the same as a 3,500 lb axle so I was good to go for the change over.
Mar-27-2017 04:01 PM
Gdetrailer wrote:
An out of round drum causing problems is NOT the fault of self adjusters, period.
An out of round drum is easy to find, heavy vibration while braking is one sure sign that a driver WILL FEEL even as far back as the trailer axles..
Another sure sign of out of round drums is the brakes lightly dragging then no drag or complete stop while turning wheel or drum when you have the tire off the ground during your own inspection (you DO periodically INSPECT your drums/brakes, DON'T YOU??? I sure do!).
PA has an annual inspection, so I CHECK MY OWN BRAKES BEFORE DRAGGING THE TRAILER TO THE INSPECTION STATION. Saves time and aggravation of a failed inspection.
Mar-27-2017 01:42 PM
westend wrote:js6343js6343 wrote:No worries. My question about the hubs was directed to Gde.westend wrote:Gdetrailer wrote:
That was when I bought new drums to convert from the old Dexter "star" rims to modern 5 bolt Ford pattern rims.
Did you replace the hubs, also?
I've found the biggest failure of brake assemblies has been either a buildup of dirt through open adjustment ports on the backing plate or no lubrication on moving parts when installing. I wish I had a dollar for every star wheel and threaded rod I've had to tear down and lubricate.
I replaced the entire backing plate with self adjusting brakes. I did not replace the drums.
My suggestion to the OP is to make sure a lubricant is put on moving parts and try the new brakes out. You may be assuming a problem that doesn't exist.
Mar-27-2017 01:36 PM
Lynnmor wrote:
Self adjusters can over adjust if the brake drums are not running true. Dexter has a tolerance of .015" run-out which is too much.
You cannot compare the trailer forward adjusters with the automobile adjusters that required stopping in reverse.
Mar-27-2017 06:07 AM
js6343js6343 wrote:No worries. My question about the hubs was directed to Gde.westend wrote:Gdetrailer wrote:
That was when I bought new drums to convert from the old Dexter "star" rims to modern 5 bolt Ford pattern rims.
Did you replace the hubs, also?
I've found the biggest failure of brake assemblies has been either a buildup of dirt through open adjustment ports on the backing plate or no lubrication on moving parts when installing. I wish I had a dollar for every star wheel and threaded rod I've had to tear down and lubricate.
I replaced the entire backing plate with self adjusting brakes. I did not replace the drums.
Mar-27-2017 05:40 AM
westend wrote:Gdetrailer wrote:
That was when I bought new drums to convert from the old Dexter "star" rims to modern 5 bolt Ford pattern rims.
Did you replace the hubs, also?
I've found the biggest failure of brake assemblies has been either a buildup of dirt through open adjustment ports on the backing plate or no lubrication on moving parts when installing. I wish I had a dollar for every star wheel and threaded rod I've had to tear down and lubricate.
Mar-27-2017 05:03 AM
Mar-26-2017 09:10 PM
js6343js6343 wrote:donn0128 wrote:
Instead of sticking with 200 dollars worth of old school, bite the bullet andmgomfor disc brakes. Makes a huge difference.
Too late. Already installed.
Mar-26-2017 08:50 PM
Gdetrailer wrote:
That was when I bought new drums to convert from the old Dexter "star" rims to modern 5 bolt Ford pattern rims.
Mar-26-2017 07:13 PM
js6343js6343 wrote:
Could be I am anticipating the worst. I hope you are correct. One less problem.
Thanks