Community Forums

4549stiltz · 08-16-2006, 07:18 PM

When I removed the brake drums to do a wheel pack on my fifth wheel the magnets fell off the bracket swing arm they swing on. They look good and the brakes look good. I didn't want to buy new if I don't have to. Is there any way to keep these magnets on until I get the drums back on. I understand they just float in there until brakes applied

4549stiltz · 08-16-2006, 07:18 PM

When I removed the brake drums to do a wheel pack on my fifth wheel the magnets fell off the bracket swing arm they swing on. They look good and the brakes look good. I didn't want to buy new if I don't have to. Is there any way to keep these magnets on until I get the drums back on. I understand they just float in there until brakes applied

Two Bit · 08-17-2006, 04:23 AM

Welcome to the site. To answer your question... the magnets should have a retainer clip in the center that holds them in place when the drum is off. Sounds like your clips are missing. You probably have Dexter Axles (they are the most common brand). There is a Dexter websight at
www.dexteraxle.com that has many pages of illustrations. Also www.southwestwheel.com is a resource for brake parts.

4549stiltz · 08-21-2006, 07:40 PM

I knew there was a clip of some sort that keeps the magnets on but I was wondering if anyone had a tricky way to keep the magnets on the arm until a person could get the brake drum on. I understand they just float inthere after all put together. Yes, I am cheap and don't want to buy new magnets. Ha! Ha!
Thanks again for any help.

Ray,IN · 08-22-2006, 03:45 PM

Most any trailer sales/supply store carries brake parts. Some farm supply stores too. The clips shouldn't break your budget. All else failing, you can see what a clip looks like and make your own.

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 08-23-2006, 01:10 PM

In addition to Dexter, Al-Ko is the other major builder of brakes. Both have good downloadable manuals and parts lists.

I wouldn't reassemble the brakes w/o getting the magnets properly attached to the arm.

Click here and then click on the Owner's Manual.

http://www.al-kousa.com/

richardcoxid · 08-28-2006, 05:46 PM

You are correct in that the "clip" just holds the magnet in place aginst spring pressure until the drum has been installed,then it "floats" on the magnet arm.

There should be a small (about 1/8 inch) hole drilled in the end of the magnet mounting arm.

In a pinch you can cut a short piece of nail to fit into the hole to hold the magnet on until the drum is installed. Be sure that the pin is stiff enough and long enough so it won't fall out after the drum is installed.

If your experence is like mine, every RV shop that I went to said the "clips" weren't available as a seperate item. (they just wanted to sell a complete magnet assy.)

I called Dexter (you have to know what brake assy that you have), they sent me 6 clips @ no charge.

May you have fair winds and following seas!

4549stiltz · 08-29-2006, 08:01 PM

Thanks everyone for all the information I was going just put a cotter key inthe hole but by chance I stopped a the local RV Shop and sure enough they gave me 4 special clips that made the fob safer and easier. THANKS AGAIN a great bunch of people out there!!!

Casey · 11-11-2006, 03:32 AM

I just used a short length of wire solder to hold the magnet on while I slide the drum back on. I thought about using a nail but didn't want it rolling around and gouging the drum. Solder is soft and will eventually melt away from the heat. The clips on mine were plastic and sure didn't look very sturdy. 3 of 4 were missing.