An interesting question

[HowieE]

I put new axles on my 34 about 20,000 miles ago. Just arrived in Fl and had no brakes for the last couple hundred miles. Checked the controller for voltage and current output, checked the adjustment of the brakes, checked the magnets. All checked out OK. Pulled the drums off to find excessive brake dust. Cleaned the drums and shoes with brake cleaner and think are better now.

My question. Has anyone had problems with brake dust reducing or canceling the braking power? Are they using something new in the shoes that produces this dust?

[Melody Ranch]

No to your question.

Then.....WHY would you have to replace the axels on a 91 Airstream.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

No to your question.

Then.....WHY would you have to replace the axels on a 91 Airstream.

All torsion axles must be exercised, periodically.

If not, they will settle and/or develop solidified rubber rods.

To avoid the problem, if the trailer will be in storage for an extended period of time, then simply remove most of the weight from the axles, by putting the trailer on jack stands.

We have dealers that have replaced many axles on 2000 and newer trailers.

Andy

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by HowieE

I put new axles on my 34 about 20,000 miles ago. Just arrived in Fl and had no brakes for the last couple hundred miles. Checked the controller for voltage and current output, checked the adjustment of the brakes, checked the magnets. All checked out OK. Pulled the drums off to find excessive brake dust. Cleaned the drums and shoes with brake cleaner and think are better now.

My question. Has anyone had problems with brake dust reducing or canceling the braking power? Are they using something new in the shoes that produces this dust?

Sounds like the trailer brakes have been dragging to some degree.

Another reason to do a major brake, every 10,000 or once a year.

Andy

[Action]

Since asbestoes were removed from brake lining some time ago, it seems brake lining makers continuely play with the compositions to get the best of no squeaks, long lasting wear life and acceptable performance out of linings. It's not easy.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[putback]

The dust is probably a symptom. Drum brakes when overheated will fade to useless on a trailer same as a car. Question is why it happened, hardware weak in the drum, controller adjustment, or sometimes a toe on the pedal. If severely overheated check the brake shoe surface for " glazing", shiny as glass and just as slick. If no cracks in the lining usually a gentle buffing with med sand paper will restore to acceptable.