Don't put off bearing maintenance and brake checks!

Getting ready to leave in a few days for Kings Canyon National Park.

My last two trips were ugly, three Westlake tires decomposed, two on one trip despite being properly inflated. Have replaced all with Goodyear Endurance tires, NO MORE tires made in China!

So, with safety on my mind I decided to do wheel bearing maintenance myself, grease repack and check the brakes.

All was going smoothly, three wheels done, one more to go yesterday. As soon as I pulled the hub off a large piece of brake lining fell out. The brake lining on the trailing shoe came apart from the metal, not worn, just completely came off. Dexter brake assembly.

Glad I found out now before leaving on our trip however getting parts a problem. Long story short I am replacing all 4 brake assemblies with Lippert Components self adjusting, 10" x 2.25" should fit the Dexter drum / axle but will let you know. Lippert part number 296650 / 296649 Cost for set of 4 about $200 on Amazon.

I confirmed with GD I have a 4400lb Dexter axle. Lippert lists these components for 3500# axle but web research indicates these should be correct. If anybody knows differently let us know.

For right now, hopefully I motivate you folks to perform this critical service and inspection on your rig. Being safe is being happy.

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