Do I need new brake shoes?

[jpons]

I just purchased a set of Centramatics (Thanks Andy) and decided to re-pack my bearings at the same time. Well, since I have the drum out I decided to check on the brake shoes. Although I have changed many brake pads and shoes in the past, I have never seen anything like these electric brakes.

I have a 2008 Safari SE 20'

How do I know if I need new shoes? How do these look?



Also, I am just curious as to what this thing is? Anyone care to enlighten me?



Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

P.S. Did I mention that I am in the middle of doing this job right this minute?

[Wayne&Sam]

I'm no pro, but they look OK to me. If the drums aren't scored and you're not experiencing braking problems, I think you're good.

[perryg114]

I don't see much wear. Make sure they are adjusted properly. It does not look like they have been used much. I would verify they are working when you get it back together.

Perry

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jpons

I just purchased a set of Centramatics (Thanks Andy) and decided to re-pack my bearings at the same time. Well, since I have the drum out I decided to check on the brake shoes. Although I have changed many brake pads and shoes in the past, I have never seen anything like these electric brakes.

I have a 2008 Safari SE 20'

How do I know if I need new shoes? How do these look?
Also, I am just curious as to what this thing is? Anyone care to enlighten me?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

P.S. Did I mention that I am in the middle of doing this job right this minute?

Your brakes and magnets are fine.

Make sure however that the brakes are properly adjusted after the reassembly.

Andy

[jpons]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Your brakes and magnets are fine.

Make sure however that the brakes are properly adjusted after the reassembly.

Andy

Ok, how do I go about adjusting the brakes? Do you mean the adjustment at the brake controller or is there something to adjust at the brake drum? In the drum brakes I have worked on before there used to be a little "star" you would turn the adjust right around the slave cylinder. Since these are electric, no slave and I did not see any obvious place to adjust. Is there an adjustment screw hidden somewhere?

Thanks!

-J

[ventport]

The adjustment star wheel is on the bottom hidden by the magnet. You adjust it just like the old drum brakes of days gone by. Look on the inside of the backing plate for an oval rubber plug. Remove the plug and use a flat bladed screw driver or a brake tool to spin the star wheel through the slot.

[polarlyse]

On mine I have a star adjuster at the bottom. This needs to be adjusted periodically as needed for proper braking. I have self adjusting brakes and they do still have the adjusting star wheel and need to be adjusted upon installation. A picture showing the lower half would clearly show if you have a star adjuster on yours. If you do, with the drums and wheels installed you rotate the adjuster until the brakes grab the drum then back off 2-3 of the star adjuster points. The wheel should rotate easily by hand. You may hear a slight rubbing sound but the spin should go easy. If not go another point on the wheel and rotate again. If you do not have a star adjuster I have no idea how you make the adjustment.

[perryg114]

Practice with the hub off. Get it straight which way tightens and loosens. You want it to stop the drum and then back off a turn or two till you can rotate the drum with a slight drag.

Perry