Community Forums

kerfcutter · 07-04-2004, 02:53 AM

In trying to check the brakes and grease my wheel bearings I have run into difficulty.

After removing the wheel and tire I was then able to remove the grease cap and pull the outer bearing out. This is as far as I can go as I can't get the drum and hub off the axle. Both my neighbors came to assist and both left shaking their heads because the drum/hub will not come off. It feels like it is hanging up inside on a brake shoe. I put this one back together and moved to the second tire and found the same thing. We were wondering if you need some kind of a puller to pull the wheel and hub off. Any ideas as to how or why this drum and hub will not come off??

kerfcutter · 07-04-2004, 02:53 AM

In trying to check the brakes and grease my wheel bearings I have run into difficulty.

After removing the wheel and tire I was then able to remove the grease cap and pull the outer bearing out. This is as far as I can go as I can't get the drum and hub off the axle. Both my neighbors came to assist and both left shaking their heads because the drum/hub will not come off. It feels like it is hanging up inside on a brake shoe. I put this one back together and moved to the second tire and found the same thing. We were wondering if you need some kind of a puller to pull the wheel and hub off. Any ideas as to how or why this drum and hub will not come off??

Sandyboris · 07-04-2004, 03:23 AM

Hi kerfcutter
My guess is the fifthwheel trailer brakes are set. Some units set the brakes when power is not applied. Check this, other wise the drums should just fall off in your hand!
Lee

Hitchhiker · 07-04-2004, 04:32 AM

If you find the brakes aren't set as Lee mentioned above, you might try backing off on the starwheel adjustment until they loosen up enough to pull off.

kerfcutter · 07-04-2004, 05:13 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sandyboris:
Hi kerfcutter
My guess is the fifthwheel trailer brakes are set. Some units set the brakes when power is not applied. Check this, other wise the drums should just fall off in your hand!
Lee <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Never gave that a thought! Figured with no power connected they should be free. I take it your suggesting that I hook the trailer brake plug to the truck then try again with power on the brakes, but no braking power, ie. voltage, applied to the brakes. Hope it will be as easy as that.

zip · 07-10-2004, 05:36 PM

kerfcutter, were you able to do your bearings? If the wheel rotates, the brakes can't be engaged. Were you able to rotate the tire when you jacked up the trailer? Some hubs just set themselves really tight when the lug nuts are tightened. They need a good rap with a hammer and wood block to free them up. Hope ya got them off.

CD · 07-12-2004, 05:02 AM

kerfcutter
Your brakes have probably worn the drums enough that there is a ridge on the inside edge of the drum causing it to hang up. Backing off the star wheel enough will allow it to slide off.

Tombs · 07-12-2004, 06:55 AM

I agree withthe above two statements. BACK OFF the star wheel. But when you put them back on make sure to readjust the star wheel/ brakes before you take it back out on the road.

sono · 07-13-2004, 07:43 PM

If they are worn that much to hold that tight it may be time for a brake job. Or at least turn the drums. JMHO

kerfcutter · 07-18-2004, 05:36 PM

I took two wheels off and both bearings were very well packed with grease. Never did get the drum off either brake. I was leaving on vacation and since they looked good I didn't worry about them. However, I called my dealer and the tech told me they should just come off. He thought I had a ridge worn into the drum that was preventing it from coming off. He suggested that I put the entire wheel and tire back on with two bolts holding it and rap the tire with a mallet. The added weight and leverage should break it free. I haven't tried this as I just got back from our trip. Will give it a try when I get some free time.

Chincoteague Island was Great!! had a wonderful time..

CD · 07-18-2004, 07:28 PM

kercutter
I still say to back off adjustment enough and you probably won't need a big hammer. Good Luck.

robertsonthego · 07-19-2004, 08:08 AM

Kerfcutter, what are the axle ratings on your trailer? Some of the bigger axles have seals that have a "bearing" built in. I have seen these "seize" to the seal face on the spindle. Needed a drum puller to pull the drums. If you do this you will need new seals, these run about $20/ea. Good luck. John

Casey · 07-20-2004, 12:46 AM

Several people have suggested backing off the star wheel to retract the brake shoes. I agree. It doesn't take much wear on the drum to cause them to hang up on the shoes when trying to remove them. A slight ridge of rust around the circumference of the drum where the shoes do not make contact will aggravate the problem. If you force it, you will damage the lining materials. Backing off the star wheel is simple. Also, magentic brakes do not self apply when they are not powered. Some air brakes however do.