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Topic: rear brake drums 1987 grand villa (Read 427 times) previous topic - next topic

rear brake drums 1987 grand villa

Need rear brake drums for 1987 grand villa.  Brake shop  cannot find new or used drums. Does anyone know of possible location of replacement drums.  I do have the option to change from wedge brakes to s cam brakes instead.  Has anyone done this.  Are the s cam that much better then the wedge brakes system.  Any info or ideas would be helpful.  Have until monday to decide what to do. 
John Gilbraitte
1990 Grand Villa

Re: rear brake drums 1987 grand villa

Reply #1 –
Our 1993 U240 had wedge brakes.  A very good system.  Not sure I would suggest better/worse than S cam.  Certainly not worth changing unless you have to.

If, like the 1993, the axle was a Rockwell, I would call the axle manufacturer.

I do not have my reference books in front of me, but would give these guys a call with  your axle model and serial number-- I BELIEVE they bought Rockwell: Arvinmeritor. 800-535-5560
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: rear brake drums 1987 grand villa

Reply #2 –
Opinion, I certainly would swap to the S Cam type, much simpler, and available. The Wedge brages never seemed to catch on in the trucking world.  If that Wedge system was so good, it would have taken over, but no.  Also very costly when the wedge gets stuck in due to worn shoes.
As mentioned, my opinion with experience.

Re: rear brake drums 1987 grand villa

Reply #3 –
Dave is correct.  Wedge brakes were mostly used in Europe. Less popular in the U.S.

Again, not suggesting that there is anything wrong with going with S cam brakes, but that is an AWFULLY EXPENSIVE alternative to a brake drum!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: rear brake drums 1987 grand villa

Reply #4 –
shop in penticton in canada has not been able to find them.  freightliner discontinued years ago and they have not been able to find alternate supplier.  Possibly in europe.  Maybe someone knows of a supplier.  They are a fairly large truck and commercial trailer repair shop. Doesnt mean they are not available but they have not been able to do it.  For about 3000 they can either build s cams onto the present axle or possible a complete axle assembly for a about an extra 500.  It would be mainly used parts.  They would like to stay with my axle as they know it has only 140000 miles on it.  It is more than replacing just drums if they can be found but from what i can find out is the s cam is a better system and easily repaired anywhere. 
John Gilbraitte
1990 Grand Villa

Re: rear brake drums 1987 grand villa

Reply #5 –
Depends on how much bad roads you go on.

S cam have no backing plates,  dirt from the front tires can get  into the rear shoes on s's

Remember the original idea was to be an Rv.  Hunting, fishing, dirt roads,

Did a lot of that long ago.  Worked well on long dirt roads.

My two cents

But if not available the 15x7 drums are a problem
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: rear brake drums 1987 grand villa

Reply #6 –
"S Cam brakes have no backing plates", That is completely untrue, if protective plates are missing is due to some self appointed idiot being stupid for highway use.  Users off road & mud operators do remove the plates to enable washing out the mess & quick checking.