Dexter axles/disc brakes

[B.G. Smith]

I have 5th wheel with Dexter axles and disc brakes. Am having some problems with pads dragging too much and also am about ready for new pads. Any one have ideas on the dragging brakes or where is best place to get new pads? bg

 

[jelag]

I assume you have an electric over hydraulic power unit in the trailer for the disc brakes... usually a Carlise or other brand...

Some brake controllers, the unit under the dash will often send a signal to check the electric brakes... . this signal on electric brakes tells the controller all is fine... . but if that signal is too long or too often it will power up the unit on the trailer cause them to drag... .

Also, since we've got a trailer this way, we've found that the boots on the calipers on the disc brakes on the Dexter Axles are too close to the piston and rotors if your often at gross weight. . the extra heat will cause the boot to cook off and fracture, thus allowing dirt between the piston and seal and caliper... this dirt prevents the piston from fully retracting into the caliper when the brakes are off, thus they drag and wear out...

If the drag becomes excessive on the Dexter axle it will crack the rotor and cause other problems... . we've had this as well...

We personally think that the Dexter design is poor in relation to others, the rotors are undersized for the load... our axles were dually's rated at 12K each... .

HOWEVER, this trailer would stop on a dime if you really needed it to... . with 20K lbs of trailer weight you could almost lock the tires and skid them... ... that part was great...

If you have the 12K axles we had to keep spare parts on the shelf as we just couldn't expect to find them at our Dexter Dealer... .

 

[B.G. Smith]

Appreciate the reply. You about hit the nail on the head. My controll is a Reece and I am ok with it. I have check the area and the internet and have not located any parts yet. Did find some pads on internet for $76. 00 for one axle, kinda steep for Chinese stuff that probably cost the dealer at least $8. 00. I guesss if I go back to the RV dealer he will want to sell me a new seto of calipers, I dread to hear what they will cost. I had a tire throw a cap last year and it looks like it damaged the boot on that wheel. It's the only one that is overly worn and does not release completely. They do work good though (when they are working). bg

 

[jelag]

I have only found OE parts for Dexter... . in all the parts... . they are so unique only to Dexter... our trailer with this set up must have 300K miles and the hubs are oil bath... never been apart... but we've done our share of brakes. . and the pads seem to eat the rotors... 2 sets of pads, 1 set of rotors... .