Check Your Lug Nuts (brake/bearing/hub Replacement Thread)

[Busy B]

Our Raindrop has seen some salty roads and salty air, so I decided to check on the hubs and brakes. I'm glad I did. While attempting to remove the lug nuts, a stud came loose - which would have been a nightmare on the side of the road. To get the wheel off, I had to cut the lug nut off. It might be a good idea to check on your lug nuts every now and then to ensure you can actually remove them when/if needed.

Ultimately, I replaced the brakes, hubs, and tires. I'll share some photo's and part numbers in case this is helpful. These parts work for our 560 Ultra - SUV model - with parking brake.

Brakes:
Right: etrailer part/number: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly w/ Parking Brake - 7" - Right Hand - 2,200 lbs Item # K23-104-00
Left: etrailer part/number: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly w/ Parking Brake - 7" - Left Hand - 2,200 lbs Item # K23-103-00
Hub (both sides): etrailer part/number: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 7" - 5 on 4-1/2 Item # 8-257-5UC3
Tires: Cooper Trendsetter SE All-Season Radial Tire - 205/75R14 95S

 

[AlCat]

Wow, all because I said your brakes sounded a little noisy....

Glad you got the problem fixed while safe at home!!

-Al

 

[Tour 931]

I need to pull my wheels. On the last trip I picked up something in the brake and the brake froze. It took me an hour of moving it forward and backing it up before it broke free.

 

[tjcrebs]

Yeah, my right (passenger side) brake was making a funny noise, got a flashlight, looked inside the adjustment hole, and saw hanging springs! Yup, after 10 years Vuggie needed new brake assemblies.

IMG_3748

• tjcrebs
• Mar 22, 2021

New Right brake on left, old one with no brake pads!

When I took off the hub, broken springs, fouled adjustment screw and NO brake-pad liner! A fun easy job...bearings and races were good, and I hadn't repacked a bearing since 1969 on my old Firebird. I'm old and slow so it took me about three hours, after getting the new Dexter 7x1.5 brake assembly. Brakes work like a charm, will do the left assembly shortly.

 

[Sweeney]

I have never had a good feel for tightening bearings....too loose, too tight... Dunno. I would think “tight to x lb/ft and back off x degree” would be better than the feel technique...this one job scares me. To a lesser degree, brake adjustment....love them hydraulic ones

 

[tjcrebs]

I agree Sweeney, seems like before every trip I'm adjusting the brakes either one click up or down (my woman says I'm just anal, heh-heh.) Finger tight on the bearings after I've tightened them to 30-to-40 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Here's a vid you may like:

Regards, T

 

[Sweeney]

Will look...but is that Sheldon Cooper finger right, or Andrew the giant finger tight

Edit: Joking aside -- funny I mentioned tight to 40....turns out I was close This is a well done video. Short, sweet, and right to the point.

Its interesting you error on the side of loose. I would think the other way...especailly if you're talking 1/8 or so of a turn. I'm probably 18 months away from need this -- lets see if I remember it We made our deposit this week --- waiting anxiously for delivery....Going to be a LONG wait until the anticipated delivery date.