I have a 28 foot 5th wheel and I change the brakes out last year. Now after the brakes get warm they squeal really loud. I have taken them off a # of times and recleaned all of them but it still happens.
Any Suggestions?

 

Have you tried arcing the drums and shoes? I had the local shop arc mine when they got noisey and it helped, makes the shoe faces hit the drum smoothly.

 

I remember seeing a door spring wrapped around some brake drums to prevent squealing. Also I think if you used harder lining it may make them squeal. Also maybe riveted v. bonded shoes might make a difference.

Edwin

 

I'm no expert, but I just did a set recently, so I’ll chime in...

Are the brake linings contaminated or glazed looking?

I've had good luck sanding the linings a bit, followed by spray brake cleaner and a rag. Emery cloth works best, to avoid getting abrasives imbedded in the brake material.

For the drums, I clean them out first (to avoid extra dust) and then use a super aggressive wire brush on a drill to rough up the surface a bit, followed by spray and a clean rag. (Wear an approved respirator).

Also, how were the drums when you did the brakes? A few groves won’t hurt anything, but if they were chewed up they could need to be turned. Were they under max diameter? Do the shoes match the arc?

Did you just replace the shoes, or did you do the whole backing plate with everything pre-installed?

Finally, a friend had a trailer that had a tendency to squeal if the brake controller was set too low... (just a thought).

If you don’t get the problem solved here, this is a good page for RV stuff.

IRV2

You might also want to go to dexteraxle.com or al-kousa.com. I think you can download owner’s manuals from either brand for their RV axles…

Lastly, I see this is your first post. Welcome. I’ve learned a lot from the smart, friendly people here.

 

First, welcome to the site.

Now, squeelers. I just had to replace all four tires, so I had them repack the bearings while they were there. One brake started squeeling. I determined which one it was, opened it up and found grease on the lining. Cleaned it and the drum, roughed it back up with emery paper along with the drum - - no more squeel.

Bob

ps: how about filling out your profile in the personal details so we know more about you?

 

Thanks to all who responded.
I have tried almost everything you have suggested. I have lived with this problem since last year and I think I am going to start over this spring. I plan on pulling the drums and having them turned again and then I will check on what type of shoes I have. I do believe they are bonded. When I purchased them the company did not give me a choice and different types of shoes. I had a hard time just finding a place that carried them.
Do you think I should just rough up the shoes? I hate to purchase new ones again they run @ $50 each and I have to have 4 of them.
Thanks again and I will try and figure out how to update my profile.