Does this sound right?

[Sherritini]

I took my 2012 Casita in for the wheel bearings to be greased. The shop told me that the shoes and pads on the brakes were bad and that I needed a whole brake job that had to include a brake motor because our trailer's brake system comes as a package. They want to charge me $600 for the whole job. Does this sound right? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Sherritini

I took my 2012 Casita in for the wheel bearings to be greased. The shop told me that the shoes and pads on the brakes were bad and that I needed a whole brake job that had to include a brake motor because our trailer's brake system comes as a package. They want to charge me $600 for the whole job. Does this sound right? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi: Sherritini... Get a second opinion!!! Now.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: Sherritini... Get a second opinion!!! Now.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Yeah, I second that!

[Raz]

I don't know what a brake motor is? Your trailer has drum brakes. The brake shoes come mounted on a backing plate. One plate per side, mounts with 4 bolts and two wires need to be connected. The drums come in a kit that includes new bearings that require greasing. You can buy the parts online for around $200-225. Assuming a mechanics mark up say $300. Labor depends on the local rate but an experienced mechanic should be able to do the job in 2 hours or less. Perhaps others will jump in but I think $500 would be generous.

[Johnny M]

Unless the drums are excessively worn you should be able to have them turned and replace the brake shoes. Turned means the drums are put on a lathe machine that puts a new finish on them where they contact with the shoes so to correct any distortion from heat induced warping caused by breaking, this ensures that they wear the new shoes evenly too and give you optimum braking control. The shoes should have a part number stamped on the metal, any reputable brake shop should be able to do this, whether or not the brake shoes are in stock depends on how common a part it is and upon the local auto parts supplier. I think replacing 2 shoes and turning 2 drums including labor should not go over $200-$250 IMHO.

[redbarron55]

Perhaps the whole diagnosis is bad?
The trailer is 4 years old.
It is likely that the bearings really don't need greasing at this point and the seals ans shoes are good as well.
When you deal with a crook, when do you stop believing him?
I have no idea as to how many miles on the trailer, but if the bearings had not been greased before it is unlikely that they were over greased and the seal blown out geting grease on the drum ans shoes.
You need another HONEST mechanic and you need to look at the parts.

Brake Motor??? Really?

Did he say the brake light fluid needed to be replaced as well?

[Johnny M]

Also to back this up JustBrakes is running a $99 special to turn rotor (similar to drums) and replace pad (similar to shoes) for the front or rear of most cars for $99, coupon is on their website

[Jack L]

"Shoes and pads are bad"??? Shoes, not likely, maybe, but not pads because they don't exist ! Brake motor does not exist either. Suggest you find a different shop.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Sherritini

I took my 2012 Casita in for the wheel bearings to be greased. The shop told me that the shoes and pads on the brakes were bad and that I needed a whole brake job that had to include a brake motor because our trailer's brake system comes as a package. They want to charge me $600 for the whole job. Does this sound right? Thanks in advance for any advice.

As others have said there are no pads or motors. There is a magnet which "can" wear over time.

A quick look says about $84 per wheel for complete Dexter brand (your axle manufacturer) replacement parts including bearings, drums, brakes with backing plate, shoes and magnet. Those two kits would replace everything. A mechanic will have a somewhat higher price which is "OK" in that they have to make enough to stay in business.

https://trailerparts.com/dexter-elec...-3500-lbs.html

https://trailerparts.com/10-drum-5-o...-8-247-05.html

(The above parts are for a 3,500-pound axle as fitted on the 16' and 17' Casitas.)

However, the bigger question is whether you really need anything at all. I have a 2012 Casita that I don't really know the history of as we just bought it a year ago. I recently had a shop repack the bearings. The brakes and bearings and all parts there were in fine condition.

Ask questions and, if need be, check with another shop. The blessing here will be eventually finding someone that you can trust.

[WaltP]

Just as a reference point, when I swapped out the axle on my Bigfoot, including new brakes, parts and labor came to $300. That's admittedly cheaper than a Casita would be because I have a simpler axle, but the brakes are the same.

Walt

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

A quick look says about $84 per wheel for complete Dexter brand (your axle manufacturer) replacement parts including bearings, drums, brakes with backing plate, shoes and magnet. Those two kits would replace everything. A mechanic will have a somewhat higher price which is "OK" in that they have to make enough to stay in business.

<cut>

However, the bigger question is whether you really need anything at all. .

I only paid for a complete Dexter brand brake assembly under $30 a side for my 92 trailer (first time originals had been replaced). Had the hubs spun and cleaned up for about $50.

Would be very odd that a new trailer such as the OP's actually even need a new complete brake assembly let alone hubs! If it does something is very very wrong

Have no idea what the heck the brake motor is that the OP's trailer supposable needs but it sounds interesting. Would love to hear the mechanic they are using explain it :lout

As others have suggested take the trailer elsewhere and get a second opinion.

[Kevin K]

Casita brakes


Shoes 13/64 .2031 NEW 5.1594 mm
Shot 1/16 or .0625 or 1.5875mm
#3500 lb axel
10x2 ¼ drum

[WizWid]

Originally Posted by WaltP

Just as a reference point, when I swapped out the axle on my Bigfoot, including new brakes, parts and labor came to $300. That's admittedly cheaper than a Casita would be because I have a simpler axle, but the brakes are the same.

Walt

Hey Walt - how can the axle be any simpler than undoing 2 bolts per side?

[mary and bob]

Have no idea what the heck the brake motor is that the OP's trailer supposable needs but it sounds interesting. Would love to hear the mechanic they are using explain it :lout

OP's misspelling of "brake rotor" or spellcheck making a change probably. And the shop incorrectly calling the brake drum a "brake rotor"

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

Have no idea what the heck the brake motor is that the OP's trailer supposable needs but it sounds interesting. Would love to hear the mechanic they are using explain it :lout

OP's misspelling of "brake rotor" or spellcheck making a change probably. And the shop incorrectly calling the brake drum a "brake rotor"

Hi: mary and bob... It's exactly the same as political double speak only different!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[WaltP]

I meant the cost of a simple axle compared to a torsion axle, not the labor.

Walt

[redbarron55]

Back years ago I had a Chrysler mini van and I had a front end alignment done.
The Shop charged for repacking the front wheel bearings.
Well these were cartridge bearings and if they lubricated them they also ruined them.
Which to have them do replace the now destroyed bearings or refund the charge for packing them?
Many shops just charge for whatever they think they can get away with.
There is a name for these people ----- Crooks.

Brake rotor, drum?
Maybe, but I suggest you run, not walk away.

[stude]

Originally Posted by mary and bob

Have no idea what the heck the brake motor is that the OP's trailer supposable needs but it sounds interesting. Would love to hear the mechanic they are using explain it :lout

OP's misspelling of "brake rotor" or spellcheck making a change probably. And the shop incorrectly calling the brake drum a "brake rotor"

:there must be someone living in her Area and knows of a good 2nd shop for her to take it to.
Stude

[Kai in Seattle]

Paul is shaking his head. Brake motor = brake rotor, fine, got it. He says shoes and pads don't exist in the same system. One or the other.


$600 seems steep to Paul, once an auto mechanic and still our main tech guy here.


Also, it's only 2 wheels, and likely gets lighter wear after all, lighter than a car, less use than a car.