Servicing Brakes/Hub Assembly

[BoldAdventure]

Hey guys, not super familiar with drum brakes, unfortunately. I've mostly dealt with disc brakes my whole life from owning mostly sports cars.

Question, I've got my wheels off right now because I'm moving up to 16's and figured, now is a time to repack the bearings, I have no idea when they where last done.

And was thinking about the brake shoes themselves, and noticed that Inland RV sells backing assembles. I'm assuming this replaces the entire brake shoes, what about the magnets?

On etrailer I see they sell whole drum hub assembles for Dexter & Titan brand, but based on price, I'm wondering if that includes the backing.

Saw some youtube videos and it looks like I could just replace the whole thing in one go with all new. Which might be the route I'd like to go.

Plan on opening these to do a visual inspect on Wed. Just wondering if anyone can give me advice on servicing the brakes, replacing the shoes or assembles.

I have 12inch axles.

[BoldAdventure]

Ok, I think I understand now, they are sold separately, the Drum Assembly is the brakes and back, and the Hub Assembly makes up the front where the bearing goes. Got it.

So I can replace both if I want, or just replace the backing assembly or just visually inspect my magnets and brake shoes.

[Lance M]

You can get genuine Dexter parts from Redneck Trailer supply. They have many locations throughout the USA. Most Dexter parts are made in the USA. Any local trailer supply shop will have 12" backing plates, hub/drums bearings and seals.
A complete backing plate includes the magnet.
For your reference-600-8K_Complete_Service_Manual_1-12.pdf

[NavyCorpsman]

Yes Sir. It's pretty straight forward, and sounds like you have it figured out. My learning curve on E-brakes was getting each shoe set adjusted the same. Very close is good enough. Too much clearance can cause the brakes to apply with a wag. More of an annoyance than a safety issue.
I changed my magnets when I replaced the Shoes and hardware. Its so much easier to replace everything at one time, and well before the parts are worn out.
Clayton

[BoldAdventure]

Thanks guys! I was surprised how easy this task was. Sadly, one more thing to add to the list of things to do. My bearings look brand new, so I guess the PO wasn't lying about having them recently repacked.

The brakes on the other hand..... I think they're form 2007.

[PaulnGina]

I replaced the entire assembly on all 6 wheels of our 1987 Avion 34W. It was a piece of cake.

[BoldAdventure]

Yup, doesn't look to difficult. Now I'm thinking about disc conversion. Luckily I can't seem to find a kit I can just click and order. So more time to think about.

[PaulnGina]

I've looked at disc brake conversions, but figured that I could order and install several sets of drum brake assemblies for the cost. Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

[mhilley]

I recently replaced all of my backing plates. I had cracked shoes and found that the entire plate with shoes was only slightly more money than the shoes alone. I also chose to go with self adjusting. They were only a few more bills. I replaced two of them in the snow on the side of a mountain. Long story that is not very interesting. anyhow, they are pretty easy to do. I suggest replacing all of the bolts with grade 8 bolts and maybe self locking nuts. overkill but your life is riding on your brakes!

[BoldAdventure]

I was planning on replacing the whole units, so much easier.

For now disc is out of the question, did some fast searching, looks like the acutator's are not compatible with the integrated controller on 2010-2011 Ram's, just the year I happen to have.

You need an aftermarket controller and then two different adapters. Pass.