Annual Brake Maintenance

[Highgturn]

I don't know if everyone's aware, I wasn't, that Dexter recommends that all the pivot points in the conventional electric brakes be lubricated annually. I discovered this requirement while verifying that I did in fact have Nev-R-Lube wheel bearings. I guess there is just no way to get around having to pull the wheels once a year . What a pain in the....well you know.

[Highgturn]

I don't know if everyone's aware, I wasn't, that Dexter recommends that all the pivot points in the conventional electric brakes be lubricated annually. I discovered this requirement while verifying that I did in fact have Nev-R-Lube wheel bearings. I guess there is just no way to get around having to pull the wheels once a year . What a pain in the....well you know.

[Workshop]

Recently completed wheel bearing and brake maintenance on my NTM 2001. Not knowing when they were last done, made that one of my first maintenance projects. As a DIYers this was a driveway project that took several days because of parts needed. (springs and clips)

Overall both the brakes and bearings were in good shape. Found the magnet retainer clip missing on all 4 wheel levers and they had been riding on the lever against the hub since??? No noticable damage to either. All the brake parts were cleaned and sprayed with a cleaner before the brake components were lubed. Used White lithium grease on the contact points. What a difference is movement. Had trouble getting the hubs off initially (tight on brakes), believe the manual said to use a hub puller, ended up backing the brakes back a little. Is there an easier way?

Could not obtain the clips locally, ordered from Dexter. Decided to replace the magnet springs also. Dexter part nos: spring, 046-117-00 ($ 0.69) and retainer/clip, 027-050-00 ($0.29)

Hope something helped.

[rockintom]

Thanks Bob for the heads up. Surprised the Dexter rep I talked with at the Excel reunion, didn't tell me about that. Nice to know, but, as you know I now have disk brakes. Won't do drum brakes again. The disk are so superior on braking performance. Even got the ceramic pads for better braking, very low dust, and long life.

Chris,
You remind me of myself....alway doing something on the rig. We just can't help ourselves! With the older rig..you just have more! I thought having a new rig would be much less work, but there is ALWAYS something to do! I don't know how folks out there own these things and aren't handy with basic jobs that have to be done on a regular basis. Like Bryan says "they're like a rolling earthquake going down the road". Enough blabber from me for a while. Tom

Just need to let you know I'm still here.... Been outside servicing the water heater, furnace, and refer today, while the weather is still half decent. Tom

[Workshop]

In my earlier post I left off one important thing. As the brake area can contain a lot of pad dust, if using compressed air or disturbing it in any way, be sure to use proper safety equipment, such as glasses, mask and gloves. Depending on condition, it can be mess-ie. Mine were.

Tom, I think you might be right. One good thing, as long as they are giving you a hard time, their leaving me alone. LOL You are also correct, if you don't do alot of your own maintenance, it can be expensive. I don't know or do everything, just trying hard and enjoying it. Doing more fun stuff now to the unit and getting to know it better. But the compounding, waxing and chalking in hiding in the shadows?
Thanks, Chris

[MakinSmoke]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Tom, I think you might be right. One good thing, as long as they are giving you a hard time, their leaving me alone. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh no Chris, what did you just admit to? Could it be that you are...er, uh, detail oriented also?

[Workshop]

Did I say that, never admit to anything that gets one in trouble.

By the way, did I mention, place a large container or news paper beneath the brakes when spraying the brakes with a cleaner. It does make a mess and it will stain.

Hope something helped.
Chris