Typical drum brake shoe replacement interval

[Ohiobrits]

I have 2015 27FB with Nev-R-Adjust brakes. AS is about 7500 lbs loaded for camping. I have done about 20k miles.

How often are people needing to replace the shoes? Obviously depends on lots of factors, miles, how fast you tow, the weight of the trailer / drum size, major grades traversed regularly etc.

Just want to get an idea what others are seeing.

Thanks.

[PKI]

2015 23FB that has rolled a good ride so far. Dropped it by the dealer this week for a bearing pack and a brake inspection. That is the first step. From there it depends, but you don't know if you don't look. Pat

[megandrudy]

I have a 34' 2011 with never-lube bearings and self adjust which does not mater all brake shoes wear some more than others depending on conditions, but what does make a difference is the magnet bracket where it mounts onto the backing plate if this is rusted or binding it Will cause premature wear if it is not returning to center after applying brake pressure. This happen to me,it sometimes caused lockup intermittently and definitely caused premature were. Any time you pull the drum off check for movement and apply a very small amount of brake grease on the pivot for the magnet bracket and where the shoes make contact with the backing plate. FYI if you need to replace the brake shoes you can bye the whole backing plate and shoes with magnet for a little more money and you have everything new except for the drum,this needs to be inspected also for wear.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[Ohiobrits]

Thanks for the input. It's been maybe 20 years since I worked on drum brakes (how quaint &#128512 but it's probably time to take a look.....

[tjdonahoe]

I have 22000 miles on our 13 31' classic, the shoes are like new, the exhaust brake on the dodge helps....

[franklyfrank]

I just had the brakes inspected while at JC on our 2013 30' Intnl. The service manager said it really wasn't necessary since I should be able to get over 50k miles without a problem before needing replacement. I insisted that they pull one wheel anyway to inspect and sure enough they are like new with about 18k miles on them.

[PKI]

With about 25K on the trailer our inspection showed the brakes were worn. Still need to inspect the parts to see if something odd is in play. Pat

[tjdonahoe]

You won't have to replace your brake shoes if you keep your foot off the brakes!

[PKI]

Can't stop for the pie if you don't use the brakes. Pat

[Ohiobrits]

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

You won't have to replace your brake shoes if you keep your foot off the brakes!

My kind of logic....😀

[ROBERT CROSS]

2003 Classic.... never had to replace shoes for worn out linings.

Dexter replaced because bonding failed at 5k, a good case for yearly inspections.

(No blueing or evidence of overheating.)

Bob

[PKI]

Reviewed the brake assemblies today. Could have made a few more miles, but the magnets showed wear and it was definitely time to check. Good to go. Pat

[WestieHouse]

We have about 18,000 miles on our 2015 23 FB FC. I took it in today for the annual wheel bearing packing. The tech showed my the magnets are worn and have scored the drum surface. The shoes are not worn very much at all. I use engine braking with our EcoDiesel and am careful not to over use brakes. But we do have serious trips to Newfoundland from Seattle with many mountainous areas along the 13,700 mile route last year. Other local trips often involve modest mountain passes, too. But less than 20k miles seems unusual to me.

I will attach photos.

Any comments observations and experience is much appreciated. I learn a great deal at this Forum!

[tjdonahoe]

They look normal to me for what I can see from the picture with 20000 miles ,they aren't going to be new,if working good run them..

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, not worn out yet, but had the brakes replaced when trailer was ten years old and many tens of thousands of miles. At about five years I had my drums machined. Learn to down shift on hills/mountains to help slow you down and don't ride the brakes.

[glennspiegle]

The bonding on my 2009 27 ft Flying Cloud just failed like Robert Cross. Will Airstream stand behind it? I have a big chunck of pad that was sitting in the rotor. Thanks, Glenn

[tjdonahoe]

7 years..., I doubt it...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by glennspiegle

The bonding on my 2009 27 ft Flying Cloud just failed like Robert Cross. Will Airstream stand behind it? I have a big chunck of pad that was sitting in the rotor. Thanks, Glenn

Glenn,

Airstream....not a chance.

Contact Dexter CS.....never know.

I sent photo's, emails and phoned. I believe the main reason they replaced was that there was no evidence of overheating.

Bob