Posted 2014-09-02 8:41 PM (#160618) Subject: BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
Member
Posts: 13
Location: TEXAS
The 2 wires from the harness leading to the left front brake broke off at the butt connector, the cable clamp was missing that holds the plastic conduit tube of the harness. I used the ohmmeter to see which wire was ground since they are BOTH red and they both check GROUND?? SHows zero resistance (they're still detached from the magnet art this time). They are connected in parallel to the rear brakes so those are grounded too.I don't get it. I took the cover off the outlet box that holds all the connections and nothing is burnt or frayed.ALSO the guy that made the temporary fix said that the brakes had gotten overheated because the metal frame was reddish in color. I saw a picture of a brand new brake assembly and it's painted that way is it not?Should I just replace all the brake assemblies? I can get them for $205 each minus 10% and free shipping from FinditParts.com. Or just replace the one assembly? I'm afraid if one spring broke another might?I know too many questions.Thanks
Posted 2014-09-02 11:45 PM (#160623 - in reply to #160618) Subject: RE: BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
There is no polarity on the brake magnets. Either wire can be a ground or hot wire. It's easier to check for voltage when trouble shooting. If you solder the joints and use shrink wrap tubing on the splices, you can be assured of the best continuity and mechanical connection. If you have access to aircraft or marine AMP butt splices and a crimping tool, the job is easier and faster.
On E bay there are two types of full brake assemblies, Dexter OEM and less expensive Chinese copies. The EBay pricing is very nominal for the complete units with free shipping. Change both brakes on the same axle. As long as you are replacing one axle's brakes, changing them on both axles, will ensure a long and trouble free usage, without having to go back and readdress the issue again.
I've replaced the Dexter brake assemblies with new Dexter products, and found then to be complete and trouble free. I don't know what the Chinese products are like, but with the nominal savings, I wanted the OEM products.
Posted 2014-09-03 5:32 AM (#160624 - in reply to #160623) Subject: RE: BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
Member
Posts: 13
Location: TEXAS
I agree on the OEM. There probably some other reason why the continuity show all are ground. I need to recheck at a lower resistance scale instead of on 20K. There might be a few hundred ohms which would read 0 on that high scale. The wiring has not had any problems before so there's no reason to think it does now being that it's still intact. You're right it's safer to change them all rather than piecemeal it.
Posted 2014-09-03 8:52 AM (#160625 - in reply to #160624) Subject: RE: BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
"The 2 wires from the harness leading to the left front brake broke off at the butt connector, the cable clamp was missing that holds the plastic conduit tube of the harness"
"The wiring has not had any problems before so there's no reason to think it does now being that it's still intact."
Posted 2014-09-03 9:55 AM (#160628 - in reply to #160618) Subject: RE: BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448 Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
OK, Can't blame the broken spring on the wife. Sounds like two separate issues. 1.Broken wires....probably from hitting a fallen branch or something like that. Repair as you would normally. 2. Broken spring...probably replace entire brake assembly....both sides...check drums, may need machining both faces. Purchase Dexter made in America replacements. While you are at it, I would replace the bearings and seals...cheap enough and will give the little lady piece of mind. Repack other bearings and adjust brakes. A few hours now will save having to deal with another break-down later.
Posted 2014-09-03 8:49 PM (#160635 - in reply to #160625) Subject: RE: BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
Member
Posts: 13
Location: TEXAS
Originally written by gard on 2014-09-03 8:52 AM
"The 2 wires from the harness leading to the left front brake broke off at the butt connector, the cable clamp was missing that holds the plastic conduit tube of the harness"
"The wiring has not had any problems before so there's no reason to think it does now being that it's still intact."
????????????????
Love your sarcasm. The rest of the wiring harness IS intact except for the one spot.
Posted 2014-09-04 10:17 AM (#160636 - in reply to #160618) Subject: RE: BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
Axles rarely bend in the middle, and should have an upward arch. The spindles are what bends, from overloading or a blow from a pothole, curb, etc. Our esperience is that most axle damage is to the right front spindle. If it is due to overloading, the tires will wear on the inside. More dramatic tire wear results from hitting something and bending the spindle back.
BRAKE QUESTION, AXLES "OK" for now
