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Post by kaboom on Apr 10, 2018 16:01:44 GMT -5
Decided to inspect and pack the wheels bearings on our 2016 Venom 3311TQ with 3,178 miles on it. When I removed the right rear drum I found that the brake adjuster and spring had become dislodged or was not installed correctly to begin with. The adjuster and spring were all chewed up by the rotating drum. Wish I had checked this a year ago while it was under warranty. I'm out of warranty by 4 weeks. I'm in contact with Dexter to determine which parts should be replaced. Most likely I will purchase a complete brake assembly and maybe a drum.    |
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Post by nvguy on Apr 10, 2018 23:54:10 GMT -5
Well that stinks. Years ago there seemed to be a rash of broken springs- the ones that went from shoe to shoe and held the adjuster in. Could be we are seeing a reoccurrence. Hopefully Dexter steps up and makes this right. You never know, KZ might be willing to help out, never hurts to ask.
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Post by kaboom on Apr 11, 2018 10:36:33 GMT -5
Just received a e-mail from Dexter. They are sending a replacement drum and brake assembly. That's good news.
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Post by nvguy on Apr 11, 2018 21:56:10 GMT -5
Excellent news. Good to hear a manufacturer is standing behind their product.
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Post by kaboom on Apr 11, 2018 23:49:48 GMT -5
I am really pleased that Dexter decided to send new parts as a "Good Will" jester. The warranty was up on 03/06/18.
I just consider myself lucky that I found the problem now, instead of breaking down in the middle of nowhere. The replacement parts are not readily available at most RV repair shops. The parts would have to be ordered.
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rtvenom3911
Newbie RV’er
2017 Venom 3911TK / F350 Dually 4x4
Posts: 36 
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Post by rtvenom3911 on Apr 13, 2018 22:03:42 GMT -5
Dang i'm past that on miles, guess it's time to look at mine too. Guess it made a bit of a noise when you jacked it up and spun the tire right.
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Post by kaboom on Apr 15, 2018 0:48:31 GMT -5
No it really didn't make any noise turning the tire by hand. It wasn't until I pulled the drum loose and the parts fell out on the ground that I knew something was wrong.
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Post by Chuck on Apr 15, 2018 11:27:39 GMT -5
Wow kaboom I'm triple that amount on out 2017 G384RLT an only have greased the wheels with a couple of shots of grease thought the zerts with a hand grease gun an still have great brakes, no noise or wobble in the wheels when off the ground ... Safe Travels  Chuck |
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 15, 2018 13:06:38 GMT -5
It is my opinion that the time to check, clean, lube and adjust brakes is the day you bring it home. It is common knowledge that pumping grease in the fittings will only serve to push grease into the brakes. An extreme amount would be needed to fill the cavity and then come out thru the outer bearing, a couple of shots per year would take a lifetime to lubricate the outer brakes with grease that is now years old. My suggestion would be to never use the fitting or allow it to be used, and do proper service on a regular basis. link |
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Post by kaboom on Apr 18, 2018 11:10:25 GMT -5
Dexter did come through. I received the parts yesterday.
I agree with lynnmor in that the bearings and brakes should be inspected right away. To be honest I knew better.
My last new toy hauler 2014 had a wheel bearing issue right out of the gate. I towed it from the dealer home. On the way I followed the recommendations and stopped to check the lug nuts. Sure enough on one wheel the nuts were a little loose. I shook all the wheels and I thought I heard a clunking sound on two of the four.
Once home I jacked it up and removed all the wheels and inspected. One had almost no grease at all. Two had loose spindle nuts not adjusted properly.
If I purchased another RV from a Dealer I could trust. I think I would pay them to check the bearings and brakes before delivery.
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Post by RdRmr on Apr 18, 2018 14:42:39 GMT -5
kaboom,
Yep, looks familiar. Had that happen on a previous 5TH wheel. Glad to hear Dexter stepped up, they are good about that.
Every 5TH wheel I've owned the minute I get it home from the dealer off comes the hubs, to date every one has had some sort of issue.
By doing that I know exactly what's going on in there.
In reading Dexter's maintenance/service procedures they state to physically disassemble, inspect and repack the bearings every year or 12,000 miles. EZ lube hubs or not. I agree, using that zerk on the axles is bad news. You can put way too much grease in there and if you aren't careful, pop the rear seal then you've got a real mess. Happy Campin....
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Post by Jack on Jun 1, 2018 9:07:33 GMT -5
I'm new to RVs but have read horror stories all over the web about the electric drum brakes. I'm going to buy a fairly high end toy hauler in September and wondered if anyone has asked KZ if they would have their frame supplier apply a hydraulic disk brake upgrade as a reasonably priced option and what their answer was? It seems to me that offering this option, which is standard on some now and offered as an option by other builders, would sell and remove what surely is an almost predictable royal PITA for KZ.
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Post by kaboom on Jun 1, 2018 23:27:32 GMT -5
Couldn't hurt to ask. Maybe someone attending the rally could ask KZ about a disk brake option.
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Post by Chuck on Jun 10, 2018 12:16:38 GMT -5
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