2010 28' FC Wheel & Brake Inspection

[Snaken49]

Folks,

Please check this link about GYM pending belt separation http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ar-105296.html

While inspecting the other wheels I found that the front roadside wheel had a brake that was dragging and decided to do a complete inspection by pulling the brake drum completely off to look at the brake shoes and magnet.

Before starting the job we checked the forums, owners and the AS supplied Dexter Manual for information and special instructions on brake drum removal etc.

- The 2010 AS Owners Manual notes a 10,000 mile recommended inspection interval but no special instructions.

- The FC Owners Manual, section "D", Exterior provides an inspections sequence for the Never Lube wheels and bearings installed on all FC over 25'.

- The FC Owners Manual also refers you to the Dexter manual supplied with your trailer for detailed bearing removal instructions (12,000 mile recommended inspection interval on bearings. The Dexter manual is not specific to the 2010 FC but gives general instructions on several models of wheels and brakes.

- The nut is castellated, retained by a snap ring and is factory torqued to 145-155 foot pounds. Removal of the brake drum retaining nut requires a 1/2" drive, 1 7/16" socket and a breaker bar.

- The 1 7/16" socket is not available at Auto Zone or normal auto parts stores but are available on the shelf at Tractor Supply Co.

Tractor Supply Online Store - - Home Page

The size of the brake drum retaining nut was NOT readily available even in the Dexter online parts/installation guides and we made numerous round trips to Auto Zone to try multiple socket sizes. We found a post in an outside forum that provided the exact 1 7/16" socket size and it also directed us to TSC to purchase the socket. WARNING the torque needed to remove or replace this nut is 145-155 foot pounds and requires the exact socket. Using anything else risks injury or stripping the nut.

Once the drum was removed we found that shoes and magnets were in excellent shape. The brake adjustment was routine and the entire wheel assembly was re-installed without further problems.

I think it would be extremely helpful if AS provided model specific inspection instructions that included tools required to accomplish the inspection. Hppe this helps others doing their own inspection.