Brake question

[vontrial]

I have a 2000 fld, time to replace my rear brake drums and brake. Gave vin# and was told that I had the heavy duty drums and big brake and they are much higher than the regular drum and shoes.
I was told that the heavy duty drum and shoes were for mainly heavy laods and tankers, said I could switch to the smaller drums and shoes since I mainly pulled light loads. Would like some feedback on this before I make my purchase.
Thx in Advance

Vontrial

[Maniac]

Never heard of that, there are premium quality linings and cheap linings, but usually the wheel size dictates the size of the drum, and I'm pretty sure you have the standard size that everyone else does.

Now there ARE wider drums and shoes, but I wouldn't think they are needed unless you run EXTREME heavy loads.

I usually get the Bendix "extended life" and I buy new, not re-lined, every other brake job gets new drums also, lat time I did brakes it was around $60 a wheel for the shoes and the drums were around $80 each, that was about 3 years ago.

[GMAN]

I would replace the brakes with whatever came on it. As Maniac stated, brakes are not very expensive. I prefer having the best stopping ability that I can have on my equipment. You may only pull lightweight loads now, but you never know what you may pull later. When you start down a 7% 5 mile grade with 45,000 pounds on the trailer you will want as much braking power as you can get. Unless you have a problem with a wheel or brake, you should not need to replace your brakes very often. I have had the same brakes on my step deck for more than 5 years and they still have plenty of life left in them.

[mitchno1]

I would replace the brakes with whatever came on it. As Maniac stated, brakes are not very expensive. I prefer having the best stopping ability that I can have on my equipment. You may only pull lightweight loads now, but you never know what you may pull later. When you start down a 7% 5 mile grade with 45,000 pounds on the trailer you will want as much braking power as you can get. Unless you have a problem with a wheel or brake, you should not need to replace your brakes very often. I have had the same brakes on my step deck for more than 5 years and they still have plenty of life left in them.

agree gman good jakes and your brakes last forever

[vontrial]

I thank everyone for the reply. This is the cost quote for my brake using my vin#. Brake Drum 16.50x8.62 unit price 207.77. each.
Relined Brake Shoe 106.18 each.
The regular drum that call for freightliner 15x8 79.00 each for drum. and around 35.00 each for shoe. I have shop 3 different shop and the prices are farily close using my vin#.
My truck was an old Peneske truck went by there and they said those are the brake that they used.

[Maniac]

Although I haven't put brakes on in a year or so, those prices are awfully high, you need to shop around, try Fleet Pride, there should be one in your area, GEEZ, I think even the T/A would be cheaper than that

FleetPride: Homepage

[Papa Rick]

I know prices has went up, couple of years ago I replaced my drive axle drums and shoes, don't remember what it cost me, but I believe the drums were around 90.00 each. MHC KW buys in bulk and some times you can get a good deal on them. About the brake shoes, I went to heavy duty on my steer axle due to the fact of having to stand on them hard sometimes when coming up on a quick light in the country.

When they told me about them I asked what the difference was about them as I thought they would be alot thicker, but was told no not thicker, but made much harder so they would hold up longer under heavier loads. They have worn very weel since I replaced my old shoes with them, but I did it only on my steer axle.

[YerDaddy]

SOunds like you did compare prices. At those prices I would switch to the smaller common size. What are your axles rated?

[GMAN]

The last time I replaced a hub I believe I paid $67/each. Check with Truckpro or Fleetpride, if you have one in the area. I would also check with some of the dealer parts departments. I have occasionally been surprised at the price that I can buy some parts from my local truck dealer. The prices you were quoted are higher than what I have been accustomed to paying for brakes and drums. I believe the last time that I had to replace the brakes it cost $150/axle. I think that the shoes cost about $35 a side. Truck brakes are surprisingly inexpensive. It has been a while, but it doesn't take long to replace them if you have the right equipment.