I hitched up our fifth-wheel yesterday morning and drove it over to my brother-in-law’s so our mechanic friend, Andrew, could repack the wheel bearings on our fifth-wheel as well as checking and adjusting the brakes. It wasn’t the greatest day to be working outside as the temperature was hovering around 32F.
Andrew removes wheel #1 on a pretty cold morning for outside workWe’ve been getting Andrew to do this job for us each year prior to our heading down south. It’s comforting to know that, before hitting the road, our wheel bearings and brakes are in good condition – the price is right, too!
Here, he’s taking out the cotter pin to free the wheel bearing unitYesterday, there were 2 rigs for Andrew to work on – our’s and the fifth-wheel belong to Paulette’s twin brother Paul. That’s right – Paulette’s twin brother is named Paul – it’s a long story! Andrew is very careful and thorough, a bit of a perfectionist, and he doesn’t mind at all if we watch and get some pointers and information about what he’s doing and why.
Using the air hose to blow brake dust out of the drumThe first 2 wheels on our 5’er checked out just fine, Andrew inspected and repacked the bearings, but when he looked at the brake shoes on the 3rd wheel, it was clear, even to me, that the brake shoe was delaminating from the metal and it wouldn’t be long before it was completely off. The brakes on the 4th wheel checked out just fine. So, all we needed was one set of brake shoes for electric brakes which we picked up pretty quick at Duncan Auto Parts.
Inspecting, then loading up the bearings with greaseAndrew used a power gun to tighten all the lug nuts and then checked them with a torque wrench. All I have to do now is drive the 5’er about 100-150kms and then take it back to Kal-Tire and they’ll re-torque the wheels. I bought new tires there a few weeks ago, but I never took the rig back to have the wheels torqued because I knew they’d be coming off again for Andrew’s job.
Under the 5’er, adjusting the brakes to just the right settingAndrew charged me $195 for the entire job which I thought was more than reasonable. I know the brake pads cost $55 and he only charged $20 to install them. He charged the same $30 per wheel as last year for inspecting and repacking the wheel bearings.
With new brake shoes installed, Andrew installs the spring connection
I think I can say that, mechanically at least, we are all set to go now. With all new tires and Andrew’s work yesterday, we are in pretty good shape. I’m sure glad I didn’t put this job off this year, as I know that faulty brake shoe would more than likely have caused us some trouble down the road.
Have a great Friday, and thanks again for visiting!
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