Trailer Brakes

[Trailer Trash 2]

This is a heads up on brakes for the Montana's sold in 2004.

Well I dont know who's axels and electronic brakes I have, but I do know that I now have Dexter shoes and not a Chinese set of shoes.

I decided to get the brakes and berrings checked out before we went to South Dakota next month, I got a call from the shop and was told that three were bad, I asked in what way because I didn't have that many miles on the Monty, 8000 at the most sence our 2004 purchase.
I was told that the shoes were a Chinese product and the problem was due to the braking materal seperating away from the body of the shoe bracket. all seperations were at least 1/3 to 1/2 way down the shoe, there were no signs of overheating which would have caused cracking or glazing.
I never went through water except what was on the rain soaked hwy or never over heated them, the mechanic said it was nothing that I did to make this happen, just a low end brake assembly with cheap brake shoes that was installed by the axel manufacture that sold it to either Keystone or Lippert for instalation on the frame.

TT2

[ols1932]

The same thing was true on our 2000. The brake linings just fell apart when the wheels were removed to have the bearings repacked.

Orv

[bigmurf]

If you get mad about the brake shoes you should check out the bearings. Third World Europian (sp) countries I never heard of.

[Trailer Trash 2]

quote:Originally posted by ols1932

The same thing was true on our 2000. The brake linings just fell apart when the wheels were removed to have the bearings repacked.

Orv

I think another 2 or 3k miles on them and I think they would have failed and fell apart too.
Thats a shame that happens, we expect out RV to be safe for our travels, and not have a problem with something as inportant as brakes on a RV, especally as heavy as our Montanas are, when an emergancy happens and an emergancy stop is required. I was dissapointed. the sad part there was only about 25% ware on the shoes.

[Rondo]

Thanks Don! Guess I've have to check my 2004- 2980 now to see what's on it!

[wersqu]

We had the same thing on our 2003. In 2005 during the annual bearing check/grease we even found the L rear brake completely gone! Didn't feel a thing in the TV. The new ones seem to be holding up much better.

[exav8tr]

This is exactly why we went with the MorRyde IS System with Kodiak Disc Brakes and never lube hubs. This is our HOME and everything depends on the undercarriage for safety. I did not and do not want a failure under there, as no one else does either. I guess only time will tell if we did the right thing or not, but we have plenty of time, I hope!!!! I have Towmax tires from Les Schwab and will be upgrading tires and wheels when the time comes.

[Art]

THANKS, Don!
I was going to have my 2004 3670RL in for service (by chance) to have the bearings repacked and the brakes checked. This REALLY confirms that appointment. I appreciate your "heads up" on the topic!