Can Brake Pad Life Be Checked Without Removing The Hub/Drum Assembly

Question:

One more question about the Dexter nev-r-adjust brakes for the 6k axles. How do you determine pad life without disassembly of the drum?

asked by: George E

Expert Reply:

The only way to check the brake pads with your Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-458-459 would be the remove the hub/drum assemblies. Since your bearings need to be repacked at minimum once every 12k miles or 12 months I usually recommend checking the brake pads during this maintenance since you'll have to remove the hub/drum anyway.

Realistically though you can still just pull the outer bearing and remove the hub/drum assembly at any time since the grease seal will hold the inner bearing in. I take hubs off all the time so it's not a huge deal to me but for someone who doesn't regularly do this I'd set aside 15-20 minutes per assembly to get it disassembled, checked, and reassembled. Make sure you have some shop towels and that you retorque your lug nuts once you have the wheel back on the hub.

expert reply by: Kevin C