Testing the brakes

[Tfthorp]

I'm repacking the bearings and want to make sure the brakes are working does the tire need to be back on or should the brakes grab without the tire on?

Thanks

[Golfmedik]

I put the tires back on due to more rotating force applied to the brakes. What would really drag on just the hub spinning would not slow the entire wheel/tire assembly down very much.

[BB_TX]

With a wheel jacked just off the ground, I adjust my brakes until there is resistance to turning the wheel, then back off a little until the wheel turns freely. Then I pull the breakaway cable and try to turn the wheel. It should lock up after the wheel turns slightly. Repeat for all four wheels.

Then after hooking up to the truck, I pull forward slowly and engage the brake controller manually and see if all tires slide in the gravel in the storage lot. At the first opportunity, I try the same on pavement. I don't want the tires sliding on pavement.

[Tfthorp]

Thanks for the info. I did one yesterday put the tire back on and it worked as it should. Figured I'd save my back and just spin the drum to see if the brake worked and it didn't then thought maybe the tire had to be on. Oh my aching back those tires are heavy!!!

[BB_TX]

Yeah, those same tires/wheels have gained a lot of weight from 5-10 yrs ago.

[rohrmann]

When putting the wheels back on after doing maintenance, I use a flat pry bar to do the actual lifting onto the lugs. These wheels, especially with the G range tires, are very heavy and using the pry bar takes the strain off of your back.

[Ishler]

This has been a great back saver for truck and trailer wheels!
https://www.harborfreight.com/1250-l...lly-61917.html