Best I can figure I am the fourth owner of a 76
Sovereign based on paperwork I found in trailer and two different Wally Byum numbers on trailer (4 and 5 digit).
When I got it I had to do a lot of work on it and before putting it on the road I pulled the wheels down, cleaned the bearings and repacked them with Grease, Aircraft Wide Temp Range (Aeroshell 33) which won't melt till 450F. Same grease wheel bearings on B52s are packed with. It is also good to -55F.
I estimate I have pulled the rig about 7000 miles in two years. The shoes were estimated at 50% when I packed the bearings and literally at the last trip when I pulled in the yard they quit working. Controller now says I have a open circuit.
I looked up under and brake wiring is all in tact. I have been in a lot of rain on last trip and they did good in rain but it was suggested I might have dampness in plug ins so I removed them and dried them with 90 lbs of air. Next I unhooked AS and hooked up to another utility trailer with 8000 lb axle and everything worked great, no OL reading, blown fuses etc. Thus I knew everything on 2500 HD was good to go.
Of course it is impossible to say if the backing plates have ever been replaced and I am planning on the whole replacement package and just wondering how long others have had electric brakes last on the road?
The best thing I have ever done is replace the AS rims with 16" heavier rims from Tredit Corp and 10 ply LT tires. Made a tremendous difference and now very few trucks passing me affect the AS and it can't be felt in tow vehicle. Prior to that I spent 50% of the time watching rear view mirror and bracing for the next 18 wheeler to pass us.
I now have the rig up on jack stands with all four off the ground and will pull all the wheels this afternoon for a looksee. I fully expect to see at least one very worn magnet.
I plan on replacing drums as well and figure they are at the max diameter already. Anybody know max diameter of the AS drums?
I assume all this stuff is now made in China and I am wondering about keeping the USA bearings (assuming the same bearing sizes) as I have heard a couple of guys say they have had Chinese bearings fail. Anybody got any experience with late production brake parts? Or are the Chinese bearings a different size?
Thanks guys.