seal and brakes

[jamieline]

With an uneasy feeling I decided to check the seals before our trip this next weekend. Here is an example of what I found.



Here is what I found in one of the covers.



Question for all, how hot should the drums be? Should I be able to touch and leave my finger on the drum? Not sure if I adjusted the brakes too much or not. Just a little drag on the wheel when I turn it.

Jim

 

[LCBoyer]

That is not pretty

 

[TucsonJim]

As for the drum temperature... That is a really subjective question. It depends on so many factors such as ambient temperature, traffic conditions, highway grades, highway material, etc. I'd certainly replace your brakes if they look as bad as I think they do.

Jim

 

[jamieline]

To start with we have made one trip with this trailer, picked up the trailer end of May, approx. 300 miles round trip. We have had a busy schedule this summer not camping unfortunately.
I pulled the trailer out yesterday and today decided to look at the seals. After my work I went on about a 20 trip to ensure everything was good. I did use the trailer brake controller quite a bit to seat the brakes and get a little wear in them. when I got home I put my fingers on the drums and could not keep them there. So the question is how hot should they get. Maybe they are hot with my use of the trailer brakes only.
I would think I need to replace the brakes. during my work I did clean them off. I did not see evidence of grease on the shoes.

 

[jamieline]

What does everyone have their brake controller set at?
Mine is at 10 and will not stop when moving, maybe the brakes are bad?

 

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Jim,

Your grease cup with "oil" in it looks just like mine. I expect my rear seals look just like yours. I still seem to have reasonable braking. I am going to tow (very cautiously) to the Rally. I am looking forward to the Lippert tech session . . . Wouldn't miss this one . Then I am going to go home and put on "real brakes" . . . as in "disc brakes" not made by Lippert.

To your question about temperature . . . any brakes (disc or drum) working properly can be pressed to glowing (800 F +/-) Finger tips are not a good thing to use for checking brake temps !!

Rob

 

[jamieline]

You're right about using fingers, just checking with them.
I was surprised to see the oil. All the grease looked very oily. Not really thick like grease.
I'm leaning towards the self adjusting brakes.

Jim

 

[J&G garage]

Last trip I checked brake drum temps after one quick stop. Three were at 148 and one was at 100. Rob is correct in that they will easily be sizzling hot during normal use. And yes my brakes are greased too. Must be some kind of new technology. ?