Nev-R-Adjust brake inspection

[NickA]

If the brakes are supposed to self-adjust, does this mean inspections are less important, or should I still plan to have these inspected once year? My local Airstream service center is asking $370 to cover both axles at one year old, which seems rather expensive. If I'm reading right, the lack of adjustment is more related to how they operate as they wear down than it is about not needing to go in and service them, so I guess I just need to suck it up?

Cheers,
Nick

[CMHM]

Do it. I didn’t (I mean I did 25k miles in my first year) and then the total cost was $4k to replace them all including drums.

[Fungus]

Or inspect them yourself. But $370 seems like a bargain unless you have the time to kill and the tools to do the killin'.

[NickA]

Thankyou for the inputs! Will let them do it

[GCinSC2]

NickA,

Are you a DIY, got some tools etc?

Gary

[tbrowne]

The job isn't hard but it takes some time, some tools and a place to work. $370.00 isn't excessive but don't let anyone sell you a $4K brake job - that's robbery!

[Acheron2010]

The problem however, is Airstream dealer maintenance shops. With my Chevrolet dealer, I can schedule a brake inspection/replacement on a specific date and time. Airstream dealers tell me to drop off the trailer in the month of March, and we will get to it. As a full-timer, I cannot do this.

[Pete B55]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

NickA,

Are you a DIY, got some tools etc?

Gary

I agree this is a easy DIY. I believe the manual calls out a 12 month/10000 mile inspection.

All you need is a small snap ring pliers, a torque wrench capable of 200 ft-lbs (every airstream owner should carry one), a rubber mallet, regular screwdriver, a gorilla bar, and a 1-7/16 impact socket (might be 1-5/16 depending on your axle). An impact wrench is very handy but not necessary .

There are numerous youtube videos on the internet and threads/links in this forum to guide you- just use the search feature to find them.

[GCinSC2]

And aside from saving a few $$$ you get to see the mysterious Dexter Self Adjusting brake and it's partner the Nev-R-Lube bearing in it's natural environment.

It also gives you piece of mind and the knowledge that if something needs attention you'll know how to and how many band aids it will take.

The Dexter website has a lot of reference docs etc.

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

And aside from saving a few $$$ you get to see the mysterious Dexter Self Adjusting brake and it's partner the Nev-R-Lube bearing in it's natural environment.

It also gives you piece of mind and the knowledge that if something needs attention you'll know how to and how many band aids it will take.

The Dexter website has a lot of reference docs etc.

Good advice.

On our second trip with our rig we were 1000 miles from home. We heard rattling in the right rear brake. Of course, it’s impossible to find a repair shop to do it. So when a fellow camper asked about the trailer I explained my predicament and my plan to remove the drum to extract the offending parts after a trip to an auto parts store to acquire a 1 7/16 socket. He said he had one at home which was just a few minutes away. He showed up with the socket and the snap ring pliers that I had also mentioned. A half-hour later I had performed my first brake job on the trailer. We drove with just three brakes for the next couple of hundred miles before I had the requisite tools of my own, a overpriced replacement brake assembly, and a campsite level enough to safely install the new brake assembly with my own two hands. After returning home I installed its mate on the left and purchased a set of assemblies for the front axle. During a brake inspection in my driveway before our current 40+ day trip I discovered the same deterioration of brake parts on the right front brake. So, out comes the spare pair of assemblies, and an hour or so later the front axle has its new brake assemblies.

DW wants me to carry a pair of assemblies all the time. I carry the necessary tools including an impact driver (far easier to remove the nut than with a breaker bar). I have not added the brake assemblies to the kit while I ponder the possibility of disc brakes.

[OCRV]

I just did the inspection (DIY) yesterday on all four brake assemblies. 2023 Flying Cloud 27FBQ 15k miles. My first time doing it so it took some time. The second side went twice as fast as the first side. The entire process would have gone much faster with an impact driver. Removing all of those lug nuts manually takes time. I like to save the money and have the time and tools. I also like to put my eyes on it. All the brakes and drums looked very good. No need for replacement yet. I did attend a technical Dexter axle seminar at the International Rally in Sedalia MO this year. The seminar and ability to speak directly with the Dexter technical people was a huge help. I'm considered stocking the replacement assemblies as I will do the work myself when the time comes.

[Vantair]

Note to those looking to do the Dexter Backing plate assemblies:

For our 2005 25 Intl CCD with 3800lb dual Henchen axels.....
recently ordered two upgraded sets 12 x 2 R/L Dexter 6000lb Self adjusting sets from Etrailer. Fine folks and pricing! They did come factory with all 8 replacement rear plugs and fresh set of bolts only. (Not knowing the hardware to be included, also ordered their 2 new sets of bolt, nut and lock washers they sell separately 32.00 /set x 2 for both axels). Yikes

Dexter assemblies appear USA made and substantial looking/feeling.

Pricey extra bolt/nut sets but wanted everything intact to install at once all without going shopping.

Oddly, the included clear rear plastic brake wire restraining clips factory mounted on the rear assemblies, two of the total four had push tips broke off assuming during shipment.
Etrailer was generous to resend 4 upon request in that they are seemingly light (flimsy) duty and possibly vulnerable to crack/release after years on the road so wanted to have extras in case. Additionally sealing the crimps openings from the elements. Clips were a Dexter part but odd they seem so wimpy out of the factory. Overall, happy with results.

[TrvlngTinTin]

Not my Wheelhouse?

But I thought I’d try a set of E Trailer Brakes.

Much much cheaper and look the same to me?

Bad idea???

🙃