Cracked brake drum and Rockwood 8315

[gtdkad]

I was repacking my wheel bearings and found one of my drums cracked. I have less than 10,000 miles on the trailer (2006 Rockwood 8315 SS) and I've never had to jam on the brakes.

The axles, brakes and drums are AL-KO 10 x 2.25". The drum is cracked across the width of the drum. I wire brushed the drum and its cracked all the way through.

The wear surface from the brake shoes (electric) is very, very slight on the cracked drum when compared to the other three drums. The magnet wear appears the same on all four drums.

Has anyone had this happen to them?

[sherdep]

This is one I havent heard much of - usually they crack when something hit them or ran over a curb

I think they had a 3 year warranty if I remember correctly from Al-Ko but since it is a 2006 I doubt they will do anything for you.

[KyDan]

Drums aren't "that" expensive.
Take a look here.
Trailer Hubs and Drums | etrailer.com

My advice is fix it and forget it.
(At least until your next maintenance inspection!)

[Herk7769]

I believe that anything done to one side of the axle should be done to both sides. While that may not apply to a cracked drum, I would replace both drums on that axle. Just Sayin'

[jimh]

u may want to give al ko a call. i would think a crack would have been there from the beginning. possibly a flaw in the metal. they may be interested in any numbers on it.
are the others ok?

[Herk7769]

etrailer.com - Al-Ko

Al-Ko link to hub sets.

[capucine]

Maybe it is the result of a overheating brake that went unnoticed and caused the drum to crack. I hads this happening long time ago on one of my cars.

[rockwood06]

From what i have read on this subject, a cracked drum all the way through the entire wall is caused by excessive heat and cooling of the brake drum during operation. The drum needs to be replaced ASAP.

Repeat cracks of the drum may indicate either a brake system fault or driver abuse If this problem occurs close attention must be paid to the brake system balance and brake lining friction ratings as specified by the original equipment manufacturer.

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by rockwood06

brake lining friction ratings as specified by the original equipment manufacturer.

Friction ratings

I still say, change it, set all brakes for proper drag via
the old -jack up the wheel, turn the wheel while you
use a screwdriver to tighten the shoes- method
and go camping!