Brakes and bearings
ANNUAL Bearing Packing and Brake Inspection is a dirty job but cheap insurance against an expensive roadside nightmare. We perform this task each year before the camping season. The stresses on RV bearings are very high and you need to checkout your brakes on the way to the bearings.
EZ-lube axle spindles are drilled out on the end and you can grease the bearings via the zerk fitting without having to remove the wheel. These systems are known for their ability to blow out the rear seal therefore contaminating the brake drums and shoes. We do not use the EZ-Lube fitting!
The first time that I repacked the bearings I found that the area between the front and rear bearings was covered in rust. The rust particles were in the grease and the bearings were already mildly scored. I also found that the rear seals had failed and allowed grease onto the brakes. This was a major clean up and the brake shoes, bearings and seals were replaced. When the work was done I felt confident the job was done correctly and we would be safe as we traveled.
Last year I found two bad brake magnets. One was badly worn while the other magnets wires were burnt completely off. We installed two complete brake assemblies, adjusting all four brakes, repacking the bearings and replaced the brake wiring from inside of the axle where it was wearing thin to armored cable.
If you do not wish to tackle this chore yourself then pull her to an RV Dealer or Trailer Service. (Check with a local Semi Logistics company. They will be using a tractor trailer repair center and they will have the heavy equipment needed.)
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2010 CROSSROADS CRUISER CR31RE
2012 RAM 3500 ST + CHROME
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