Brake drums: good but grungy

[EllPea in CA]

Just posting this in case anyone else might want to check the condition of their brake drums.

So we ordered a new axle with the splined trailing arms, which are adjustable so we can set the height of the trailer. We did not order a brake assembly, as repair shop is providing those. The existing brake assembly is a "throw-away," but the brake drums appear to have been only slightly used, with light rust on the wear surfaces. So the drums are salvageable (saving us about $100 or so on new drums).

But the rust should be cleaned off drums before installing new assembly to avoid fouling that. So, hubby undid the lug nuts and pulled the wheels. (I'm sure he enjoyed this because it gave him an opportunity to use his hydraulic jack... Always a fun time!).

Behind the wheel is the combination of the hub and the brake drum. Removing the nut on the end of the axle stub releases the hub and brake drum. This can then be pulled off the axle stub so the drums can be cleaned. (The brake assembly stays on).

To clean the rust off our drums, he used a circular wire brush attached to a drill. The stuff that came off was epic. But the drums are now good and clean.

Unfortunately, I thought about documenting this after he'd already finished, but I did get a photo of the "crap" that came out of ONE drum. He says this is just a bit of it. (Will post below)

By this time next week we'll have a new axle, new brake assembly, more height on our trailer and a wifey itching to hit the road! Wahoo!

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[Iowa Dave]

Just a caution, those brake linings may be asbestos based and you should not be breathing that crap in, regardless of what it is. A NIOSH mask at
the least and cleaning wet is preferable to dry. Just my .02. There are a lot of people living with lung contamination time bombs whether it's silica sand, asbestos or fiberglass fibers. Take care of your lungs, ask the man who has one. I have both of mine but have known several body men, boilermakers and repair shop workers who haven't been so fortunate.
Dave

[EllPea in CA]

Dave, thanks for your concern! We lost a cousin (airline pilot, never smoked) to mesothelioma. A former father-in-law (worked in a furnace area, lumber mill) got it. The daughter of a friend (34, never smoked) has terminal lung cancer.

The caution you give is well grounded!

If there's anything DH knows, it's brakes and related *stuff.* When he drove an older logging truck (before self-adjusting), he'd lay down in the snow several times a day under his truck and adjust the brakes. With his background in the autobiz and auto-racing, he's had a lot of experience.

If these were asbestos, HE'D KNOW.

[EllPea in CA]

This is just some of the stuff that came out of the brake drums.