Brake parts

[brettmancan]

Hi guys, I'm trying to replace the backing plates and magnets on my 1973 Argosy 22' but I don't know how to find out what size I need. Is there a way to look this up? I really don't want to go through the process of disassembling everything just to get measurements, because I might need to move it before I get the replacement parts in. Thanks!

[overlander63]

You can look at the mounting flange for the brake assemblies. Count the mounting bolts. If there are 4 mounting bolts, you have 10"x2 1/4" brakes. If there are 5 mounting bolts, you have 12"x2" brakes.

[brettmancan]

Thanks Terry, I did end up needing to take everything apart to count the bolts, but I measured as well and your advice was solid. I ordered two sets of Dexter Nevr Adjust brakes from etrailer and paid extra for expedited shipping. Hope that turns up in time for me to finish the job Thursday so I can be on the road Friday.

I think I'm going to clean everything and repack with fresh grease as well. Is there a specific type of grease I need to buy, or can I get that at any auto parts store?

[brettmancan]

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by brettmancan

Thanks Terry, I did end up needing to take everything apart to count the bolts, but I measured as well and your advice was solid. I ordered two sets of Dexter Nevr Adjust brakes from etrailer and paid extra for expedited shipping. Hope that turns up in time for me to finish the job Thursday so I can be on the road Friday.

I think I'm going to clean everything and repack with fresh grease as well. Is there a specific type of grease I need to buy, or can I get that at any auto parts store?

Your corrosion doesn't look too bad.

In the future know that you can count the bolts without removing the drum.

[brettmancan]

Oh jeez. I just realized when you said that I could've just looked behind it. I have my moments. Yeah half the brakes work and the other half don't. On this one the magnet doesn't work.

[merlinj79]

Trailer's been sitting near the coast for about 18 months. I jacked up each wheel to check the brakes, but both wheels spin freely with tow brakes applied...


I can hear the magnets hum, so power's getting there, and all the lights work so I don't think it's a connection issue.


Any ideas?



I believe the magnets and backing plates were replaced about six years ago (plates look newish). Haven't been adjusted since, but low mileage.



It's at a storage lot, so it's a PITA to do work there. Trying to guess if I should try to take them apart and see if they're stuck or just get new magnets before I dig in.


Any gotchas to replacing magnets and adjusting brakes (I'm an old school VW guy, so drum brakes are familiar). I saw references to self adjusting brakes on the forum, are those a better way to go? 1972 20'.


Thanks!

[Bill M.]

I am 3000 miles into a trip after replacing my brake assemblies and drums. I used the self adjusting brakes. I am very pleased with how the new brakes are working. I did toss the bearings that came with the brakes and used Timkens but that might just be an old mans folly. (Or not).

[merlinj79]

Ooops. Problem solved.


The Prodigy P2 brake controller has a button for "boost" settings, which changes the initial trailer brake load before decel. It got set too low, presumably by kids playing. Something to add to the pre-departure checklist.


I'll try the self-adjusters next time they wear out.


One more thing, my manual's in the trailer at the storage lot... do you have to remove the wheel hub and bearings to access the brakes? Other drum brakes I've worked on, the drums could be pulled off while leaving the hub installed

[Bill M.]

Yes. You have to remove the nut and bearings to remove the drum.