Turning Never Lube Brake Drums

[kscherzi]

A little over a year ago I replaced all four brake drums with the installed and pressed in Never Lube bearings. Did so because one original Never Lube wheel bearing had failed and was coming apart after 40k.

Forward to today and maybe 20k miles added. Brakes have an annoying pulsing sensation, most obvious around 25 mph or less. I'm tempted to have the drums turned but wondering if this would ruin the bearings as they really aren't 100% watertight and fear the process getting fluid and metal shavings into the bearings. Has anyone tried this?

For those not familiar with Never Lube bearings the entire assembly is a one piece part that is pressed into the brake drum. They cannot be pressed out and reused.

[sheriff1]

I believe the bearings can be pressed out and reused if careful not to press on the center section of the bearings

[GCinSC2]

Pressed out yes but the pressing force can only be applied to the inner race or cone as the cup outer race is not accessible to press against. Pressing thru the cone, rollers to the cup to remove likely not advisable for reinstalling the used bearing assy.

I own the bearing removal screw press out and in tool. Comments based on hands on Nev-R-Lube R&R.

Maybe consult the the machinist and get their .02$ on turning and don’t forget a good basic inspection of the brakes.

Gary

[sheriff1]

Didn’t know the outer part of the bearings not accessible to press out.

[GCinSC2]

Dexter does show procedure somewhere in their reference docs.

This thread has pics and docs from a R&R I did at home.

Gary

Dexter Nev-R-Lube Bearing R&R
https://www.airforums.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=224416

[Al and Missy]

With electric brakes there are two surfaces that may need turning. The first is the area where the shoes ride, around the circumference of the drum. The second is the flat surface of the drum where the magnets ride. Very few shops turn drums any more since most vehicles now have disc brakes. Even fewer can turn the flat surface. I found a truck repair place that could do it, but it was the only place in my town at the time, Melbourne, FL.

Also, check the condition of your magnets. They should be evenly worn and not worn at an angle. I think the Dexter site has some information on how they should look.