Repairing Electric Trailer Brakes or Never trust what a previous owner tells you

On my travel from NE Arkansas to Waco, Texas I noticed that the trailer brakes were not functioning anything like they are supposed to. So I did a lot of judicious anticipatory braking to make sure sudden stops were avoided. While I do recommend this type of defensive driving, doing because of faulty brakes is never a good idea. So in this case definitely follow my parental advice and do as I say NOT as I did. LOL

Lakota Wolf and I tore into the brakes, starting on Monday May 7 and finished up getting everything back together on Wednesday May 9. What we found was beyond your wildest dreams of a nightmare.


Back in November of 2017 when I purchased this trailer, the PO told me that he had the brakes redone and the bearings repacked when he put new tires on the spring of 2016. This has proven to be so far from the facts that Lakota and I uncovered that this PO will definitely be going to hell with his panties on fire.
One of the 4 brakes showed signs of actually trying to work. The other 3 had cooked brake shoes, broken springs, and the optional unattached braking material respectively. Three of the four had so much grease everywhere that there is no way they would have provided and braking effort even if they had been working. Two of the hubs had so much grease pumped into them that the real wheel seals were pushed out. The 2 hubs on the left side were cinched down so tight that the bearings were burned badly, just shy of being blue in color.
Here are a couple of pictures of the grease we took out of just one wheel assembly:


Here are three pictures showing the grease we found in one hub and one of a hub with the rear seal that
was pushed out:

This is a picture of the brake assembly with the cooked shoes that was on the right side:


The left hubs, where the bearings were cooked from being cinched down is also where the brake
assembly with the braking material was no longer attached:


After finding all this mess, I decided to go with all new brake assemblies, bearings and races.

And the final product:

A simple one day project turned into a 3 day ordeal that left us both wondering who ties some people’s shoes for them.


I do have to put in a shameless plug for the people at Flat Rock Trailer & Ranch Supply in Hewitt, Texas. I got the brake assemblies, bearings, and races from them and the customer service and helpfulness of
these people is beyond outstanding. https://www.flatrocktrailersales.com/
Finally another big shout out to Lakota Wolf for his tireless help in getting this mess repaired.

A better friend no one could ask for.


A final word to all who purchase a Good Old RV, trust nothing and no one. Figure it is on its last leg and check everything 3 or even 4 times. I was lucky that nothing happened where I had to go into an
emergency braking event because I may have not survived. I started pulling trailers at the ripe old age of 14, 1970 for those who are really curious, and those years of experience served me well on this trip. But
as I said earlier…. Do as I say not as I did.


Be safe in your travels. And remember to love often, deeply, and unconditionally. Time is a precious commodity and when someone passes your way seize the moment… you may never get another chance
to say or do all the things you wanted.

Views: 151

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Oh yeah! Been there! I had a station wagon with so much wrong on the brakes it reflects your experience. Missing pads, ground out cylinders, rotors so rutted out that they should have just fallen off. It was a total rebuild to get them to work at all. YIKES! Glad you sorted it out.

Hi Russ, what a mess. The PO moved from Erie PA to Pittsburgh PA and your in Texas. I think I've said enough.

RSS

Members

HOW TO MEMBER POSTS

  •         How To Links 

-Search Good Old RV's

-Start a New Group 

-Roof Repair Photos & Products

-Repair an RV Roof

-Pick Roof Sealer   

-Understanding RV Electrical Systems 

-Get RV Insurance   

-What to Look For When Buying a Used RV

-Jack Installs Fuel Injection in his Dodge 

 RV ARTISTS 

 

 Artist Roads                                              

                      

JOIN US AT GOOD OLD RVS

If you love classic and vintage RVs then come Join us. Come on in and have some fun. JOIN HERE NOW

Forum

Starcraft Ceiling Repair

Started by Donald Morgenroth in RV Repair & Maintence Mar 18.

Replacing controller ,? And inverter 1 Reply

Started by Dave King in Vintage & Classic RV Restoration & Purchase. Last reply by Rick Cornell Apr 27, 2023.

Sway Bar Links 2 Replies

Started by Grey Wolf in RV Repair & Maintence. Last reply by Grey Wolf Apr 22, 2023.

Events

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

JOIN US - COME ON IN!

If you love classic and vintage RVs then come Join us.

 Come on in and have some fun.      

 Dedicated to a simpler, more rewarding and fun way of life in a Good Old RV... 

Vintage Travel Trailers, Vintage Campers, Camper Restoration, Bus Conversions, Vintage RV Forums, Old RVs, Tiny Homes, Boondocking

A work of art by member Paige Bridges

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 Disclaimer - Please Read it

Enjoy this site and use it totally at your own risk.

By using or viewing this site YOU agree to Hold Harmless anyone associated with it including other members. Also, YOU agree that YOU are solely responsible for ANY and ALL actions, results or damages. Members "opinions" are just that and any repair or alteration comments or recommendations are by folks who are not licensed repair  or mechanical professionals. Any repairs or modifications you do totally at YOUR OWN RISK. Use licensed professionals for all work to avoid possible serious injury or damage. Use  banks for purchases.  Have fun!

Copywrite & Trade Mark Registered GoodOldRV© ,GoodOldRVs©, GoodOldRVs.com©,GoodOldRVs.net©,GoodOldRV.Com©

© 2024   Created by Jimco_W001.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service