Cracked Brake Pads

[DavidsonOverlander]

What would cause our brake pads to crack like this? They were new about 15 months ago. We've traveled about 20 000 miles on the trailer since the brakes were replaced. Is this due to overheating? I'm assuming they need to be replaced.

Thanks,

[72 tradewind]

Yes Grant, you do need new brakes. This is a sign of overheated shoes although I cant say whether or not this is normal for 20,000 miles on a trailer. when you replace them make sure you adjust them correctly.

[Action]

This is caused by too much heat build up. This could be due to riding the brake, a caliper not releasing (corrosion between piston and caliper assy), A hydrallic situation that keeps pressure in the system, several panic stops done close together, or overloading of vehicle and braking.

Also check the rotor. It will also be looking a bit toasty. Reface the rotor or replace is badly burnt and replace the pads.

The less pad material left, the less heat can be absorbed. Thin pads will not accept as much heat build up as new thick ones.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[HowieE]

Who's backer platers are on your trailer, Kelsey, or Dexter. The Kelseys only use one return spring between the 2 shoes and this has a tendency to allow the trailing shoe to lock up against the drum and remain on after you have released the brakes.
The Dexters use 2 springs and return both shoes to the anchor pin when released.
If you have a single spring system consider replacing the system.

[Action]

You know he stated "pads", after looking at the pic closer, those do look like shoes!!!!!!

Scratch my comments about calipers.

Add broken return springs, missadjusted shoes, worn spot on backing plate were the shoes ride. And HowieE's comment.

>>>>>>>>>Action

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by DavidsonOverlander

What would cause our brake pads to crack like this? They were new about 15 months ago. We've traveled about 20 000 miles on the trailer since the brakes were replaced. Is this due to overheating? I'm assuming they need to be replaced.

Thanks,

Brake shoes for our coaches are designed to be serviced (replaced) every 10,000-15,000 miles or so, along with the brake magnets.
If you got 20,000 miles out of them, you did well.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Grant.

Your brake shoes show signs of considerable over heating, several times over.

You have been riding the brakes, or coming down from mountains, many many times.

I would suggest that you also check the drums for "roundness". Many times, when the shoes have over heated as you show, the drums can warp.

If the drums have warped, then they usually can be turned and resurfaced.

Also, remove the bearings, and check them to see if they have over heated as well. "ANY" discoloration of any part of a bearing, says it overheated. If thats the case, replace them.

Andy