Taffy.C
MN
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My TT is 17 years old and I've never had work done on the brakes. It's been in storage for a few years and I'm about to bring it out, replace the tires, and do some surface restoration. My question - I figure its probably a good idea to replace the brake drums at this stage and I'm wondering how difficult that is? I'm fairly practical and can use a wrench, but I've never done any significant mechanical repairs on cars or trailers. It seems like I'll save a LOT by doing it myself too.
Any thoughts on how difficult? Any special tools required? Maybe some pointers "how to" posts or videos?
I believe that I have 3,500 lb Dexter axles with 10" drums. I'd prefer to go with self adjusting - current ones are manual.
Also, is it simpler to replace the whole hub/drum assembly vs just the brake kit assembly?
Appreciate thoughts/help.
Daniel.
2003 Explorer Limited 4X4 V8 Advancetrac 3.73 Axle
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bgum
South Louisiana
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Joined: 02/22/2006
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Replace the complete axle and brakes. Cost will be a little more but easier and quicker. Any decent trailer shop can do it for you. It will cost about $75 more per axle for a complete new job. Labor may be less.
* This post was
edited 01/10/21 08:27am by bgum *
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Lwiddis
South of Lone Pine, California
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You should learn from an experienced person. Don’t wing it alone on the first time IMO.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, 300 watt solar-parallel & MPPT, Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state & county camps. Bicyclist! 14 year Army vet-11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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Loganhorse
Kentucky
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Joined: 01/02/2021
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Taffy.C wrote:My TT is 17 years old and I've never had work done on the brakes. It's been in storage for a few years and I'm about to bring it out, replace the tires, and do some surface restoration. My question - I figure its probably a good idea to replace the brake drums at this stage and I'm wondering how difficult that is? I'm fairly practical and can use a wrench, but I've never done any significant mechanical repairs on cars or trailers. It seems like I'll save a LOT by doing it myself too.
Any thoughts on how difficult? Any special tools required? Maybe some pointers "how to" posts or videos?
I believe that I have 3,500 lb Dexter axles with 10" drums. I'd prefer to go with self adjusting - current ones are manual.
Also, is it simpler to replace the whole hub/drum assembly vs just the brake kit assembly?
Appreciate thoughts/help.
Daniel.
Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?
2010 Coachman Freedom Express M-291 QBS
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Taffy.C
MN
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Loganhorse wrote:Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?
Brakes were not engaging with much resistance last time I used the trailer ( a few years ago - and they were adjusted correctly) and I'm having some connectivity issues now as well. I'm fairly confident that it isn't in the controller/tow vehicle, although I still have a couple of checks to do there. Also, I've never had the drums opened/inspected in the life of the trailer - only had them adjusted. I just figured it was probably simpler to replace, since I don't have a lot of time to spend on it.
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Loganhorse
Kentucky
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Taffy.C wrote:Loganhorse wrote:Can I ask why you are replacing the drum? Are they worn down?
Brakes were not engaging with much resistance last time I used the trailer ( a few years ago - and they were adjusted correctly) and I'm having some connectivity issues now as well. I'm fairly confident that it isn't in the controller/tow vehicle, although I still have a couple of checks to do there. Also, I've never had the drums opened/inspected in the life of the trailer - only had them adjusted. I just figured it was probably simpler to replace, since I don't have a lot of time to spend on it.
I wouldn't replace them unless they are worn but that's just me. You can replace the whole brake assembly fairly easy and reuse the old drums.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Dexter-Axle/23-468-469.html
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colliehauler
Mc Pherson KS USA
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Joined: 01/27/2004
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Would replace the whole brake assembly or as someone suggested would be a good time to upgrade the axle .
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Loganhorse
Kentucky
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Before replacing anything I would make sure you are getting voltage to the magnets.
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prichardson
Lafayette, La
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It is unlikely you would need new drums unless they have gotten scored by bad brake shoes. The shoes however, would need to be changed if they are worn. The easy way is to replace the backing plate and shoes as an assembly; especially if you want to upgrade to self adjusting.
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Old-Biscuit
Verde Valley
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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How To.....
Dexter Service Manual
Watch video, read up, jump in and get it done
Is it time for your medication or mine?
2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
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Off the road still Debt Free Jan. '14
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