Brakes - do I need to replace the full assembly
We have put on about 30,000 Km on our 2006 17B and when I last repacked the wheel bearings in Dec 08, one of the brake shoes had about 1/8" wear remaining, since that time we have put on an additional 10,000 Km.
We are planning a cross-Canada trip in 2 months and I have been quoted $450-$650 by the Victoria RV dealers and a brake shop for a bearing repack and brake shoe replacement. They all insist it is best to replace the entire brake assembly- their quotes did not include replacement of any bearings if needed or bearing seals. I had no idea trailer brakes were that costly to replace.
Looking at the Dexter Axle website they now have "Never-adjust" brake assemblies for the 10" x 2 1/4" electric brakes - the web price is only $US8.00 more per side than the regular assembly our axles use. None of the "pros" were aware that this was an option.
I also plan to install a second battery and crawling under the trailer and doing the work myself appears to be a best option so I can afford the battery project. Not having to adjust the brakes might also be the way to go, no more bruised knuckles.
Prior to ordering parts I wonder what others in the Escape community have done when their brakes needed replacement?
Gerry W
"The Escapist"
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The Escapist
2015 Nissan Frontier Pro-X short box
2018 Escape 19. Previously 2006 Escape 17B and excellent memories
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