Brake inspection Caravel

[amckibbe]

I have a 2021 20ft Caravel with about 10,000 miles. Airstream recommends a brake check at 10,000 miles. I called an Airstream dealer and they said it would be 4 hours labor at $160/hr. That’s $640. Given Neverlube bearings, I think that’s unreasonable! I have a mechanic I can have do it when I get to Florida( live in Indiana). Any feed back?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Have you put together your AS tool kit yet?
Checking your own brakes is almost a must.

It ain't roket sieance...

Bob
🇺🇸

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by amckibbe

I have a 2021 20ft Caravel with about 10,000 miles. Airstream recommends a brake check at 10,000 miles. I called an Airstream dealer and they said it would be 4 hours labor at $160/hr. That’s $640. Given Neverlube bearings, I think that’s unreasonable! I have a mechanic I can have do it when I get to Florida( live in Indiana). Any feed back?

Two years ago that's what I paid for a complete brake replacement on my 1994 Excella 25-ft. That included new backing plates and all inner brake components.

I agree with Bob - great time to learn how to pull the wheels & hubs and check the brakes yourself. A little more involved with the newer hubs but still something an owner with basic mechanical skills can do.

Alternatively, I'd call around to other dealers and get a quote for the work, or possibly another mechanic who has experience with Airstreams.

[Silvr_Bullet]

Airstream dealer in upstate NY is charging $200.00 plus parts for a wheel bearing and brake check, that’s for a single axle trailer, I don’t know what new brakes would add to that if needed. It’s a Service Special.

[Saluda372]

I wouldn't pay it.

[amckibbe]

After some research and a great You tube video, I could do myself with the right tools or a good mechanic. Also got a quote from another Airstream dealer for 1 hour labor, a heck of a lot more reasonable!
https://youtu.be/lKJo3rgN1cM

[GCinSC2]

amckibbe,

I watched the video and a couple of additional inspection points. They did not show any bearing inspection testing. Dexter has specific rock and measure eval for the bearing and the video did not show any inspection of the self adjusting or manual adjuster mechanism. This is an important inspection point.

Gary