Troubleshooting Metal Strip in Brake Shoe Wearing Groove In Hub and Drum Assembly

Question:

hi there, i have dexter brakes on my trailer, part number 023-358-0. i pulled them apart to do routine inspection and found this metal stripe raised above the pad material, as well as a groove in the drum. local trailer shops have no idea. hoping someone can tell me what this is and if i need to replace them. there is still 3/16-1/4inch of pad left but this weird thin metal piece on all the shoes.

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

The metal strip in your brake shoe is not normal. It must be some kind of manufacture defect and that batch of brake shoes all had it for you to have this on more than one. Some wear on your drum is expected but it definitely should not be cutting a groove into it.

Your drum still appears to be fine but I would go ahead and replace those brakes since they are fairly worn and you don't want to end up with a bigger issue as you wear them down further. The direct replacement is the # 23-105-106. If you want to get self-adjusting brakes then you could use the # 23-458-459 instead.

expert reply by: Robin H