Brake seizure

[Mike S]

Towing my '78 Argosy to storage yesterday I had a brake seize on one wheel and lost the tire amidst a cloud of smoke. The trailer is in storage now, but what a PITA!

Question - What is the likely cause? Can I get a replacement brake drum, shoes, etc (a complete brake system) for one wheel? How much is involved in replacing this?

The hubs and brakes were serviced in September. Should I be concerned about wheel bearing damage?

Any help appreciated.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Mike S

Towing my '78 Argosy to storage yesterday I had a brake seize on one wheel and lost the tire amidst a cloud of smoke. The trailer is in storage now, but what a PITA!

Question - What is the likely cause? Can I get a replacement brake drum, shoes, etc (a complete brake system) for one wheel? How much is involved in replacing this?

The hubs and brakes were serviced in September. Should I be concerned about wheel bearing damage?

Any help appreciated.

The beginning point is to remove the hub and drum, and visually inspect the drum, the bearings, the magnet and the magnet arm. The pin on the magnet arm can come loose, which would cause the problem, as an example.

Andy

[n2916s]

Call Andy. Last year I bought 4 full brake sets from him -- came with the shoes mounted on the backing plates and new hardware. Not all that expensive. You may need a new drum as well -- have the old one checked, they may be able to turn it (simpler, cheaper)

I hate to say it but I would do the opposite brake as well -- only way to be sure that the braking effort is fairly even on that axle.

Since you'll have it all apart anyway, pull the bearings, clean and inspect.

Not fun, but fairly simple work (if I can do it, it must be...)

mike

[Mike S]

Thanks, Andy and Mike. I'll get after it next week. Does the '78 Argosy have 10" or 12" brakes -- I have not disassembled it yet, and it is in storage at another location. Thanks again.