Brake Shoes and Magnets

[8e3k0]

Want to do my own service on wheel brakes and bearings in the next short while. Where is the best place obtain these parts if Required?
Also can anyone tell me the size of the shoes on a 2009 RL3400. I know it has 7000 lb axles with 8 bolt wheels and likely would have 2 X 12 inch shoes, is that Correct? Any help or recommendation would be appreciated. Thanks Ellis

[WeBeFulltime]

etrailer.com for one.

[rohrmann]

Save yourself the time, and probably money too, by just replacing the entire backing plate assembly that has everything already together. Cut two wires, remove five nuts, swap the assembly, and put the nuts back on and torque, splice two wires. If your drums are looking OK, you may be able to use as is, but you will get better results having them turned, which on these electric brakes, requires the brake surface and the magnet armature surface to be resurfaced. Not many auto parts shops can do that, but you can contact local trailer parts places who can direct you to one. If your unit has standard brake assemblies that you have to manually adjust the brakes, you can easily upgrade to self adjusting brakes at this time too, and save yourself the need to adjust between bearing repacks. Also, etrailer and Red Neck Trailer Supply are good sources for parts.

[Trailer Trash 2]

quote:Originally posted by WeBeFulltime

etrailer.com for one.

I got mine here also and I also replaced the drums and bearings. great prices too.
but in the lone run I wish I put disk one instead it wouldn't been much higher.

[dieselguy]

I agree with rohrmann ... just buy the whole assy backing plate and all ... it's cheaper and easy to swap.

[pvcoach]

Again, I did the same. Very easy to replace the whole assembly. Even though my replacements were self adjusting, initial adjustment was necessary, but quite simple.

[mlh]

I agree replace it all.
What I was really wondering do you stil collect JD tractors? We have a 58 model 520 with the roll bar front end, like new fully restored except the gas tank needs to be cleaned out.
Lynwood

[8e3k0]

Thanks for all the info.
Lynwood,as far as the John Deere Collection we are in the downsizing mode. We were at a point where our collection (30 series) was 35 plus all restored and was too much to maintain including oil changes, batteries etc. On the plus side, we have met and made friends with many people across North America over the years of collecting. At our age now it is more fun with fewer toys. LOL

[twindman]

My previous Montana had 66,000 miles on it and the brakes were fine. It was 8 years old when I got rid of it. Are you sure you need to replace anything?

[dummy]

Whole hardly agree with everyone suggesting replacing the backing plate assembly. Having completed 25 or so brake jobs RV and car and boat trailers over the last few years it's a sound approach and not that much more expensive considering the peace of mind. I shop eBay, etrailer, rock. auto for most parts. (word got out I. knew what I was doing and my labor rate was cheap)

[Slufoot733]

Absolutely, replace the entire brake/back plate assembly all at once.
Check this site: http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Brakes.aspx
Understand that you will need TWO left side units and TWO right side units. If you have the 7000lb axles then the 12" x 2" should fit. But double check that. There should be a tag on your axle tubes with numbers. Jot that info down before ordering.
By replacing the entire unit you have new shoes, new magnets, new springs and hangers. and you'll save yourself a ton of time. And you might be ale to recycle the old units for rebuild somewhere. When the new units are installed and adjusted it will take about 50 miles to wear in. Drive cautiously and use the brakes often at slow speeds. you will notice a marked improvement in the braking effort after the shoes wear in.
Also, since you must remove the brake drum you might as well service the bearings and replace the grease seals.

[WaltBennett]

quote:Originally posted by WeBeFulltime

etrailer.com for one.

That's where I got the complete assemblies for ours last year. Put them on myself - only took a couple of days for everything including jacking (and I'm 72). It's actually cheaper to get the assembly considering how much time it would take to rebuild the old backing plate - and saves an unbelievable amount of aggravation! (Just think about how many times you'd pinch a finger with those springs!!)

[kenneth e holman]

Agree with replacing or at least packing the bearings. I know you are not planning on disc brakes but if you were then this would be the time to do it.If you did disc brakes then you would be wondering why you didn't do it sooner. The disc brakes are in a class by them self. You would think the trailer was stopping the truck instead of the other way around. Good Luck.