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Subject Topic: newbie + 20y old van, brake checks?
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Person99redballs
08/6/2015 at 11:21am
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could you advise me how to check the brakes to make sure theyre in good nic for use?
just need to check they're ok , if not are they simple enough to change? hubby has replaced car brakes before, so could do if no special tools needed.
but i did read last year they there is a special nut to replace on a abi marauder.


Persontrog100
08/6/2015 at 12:32pm
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if they are alko axles with one shot nuts a special tool is needed.. a bloody great heavy goods type spanner (wrench) to get the drums off..

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/handbooks/caravanchassishandbookwhite.pdf

trog


Personbilly
08/6/2015 at 1:28pm
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20yr old 'van may well have one shot nuts, they were just being introduced then or could still have removable/regreasable wheel bearings. To service caravan running gear you do need to be mechanically able but you need some specific knowledge as well, it's all searchable via google though.

One shot nuts need large torque wrench which might not be in home mechanics tool kit but apart from that it's easy enough for anybody who is used to stripping brakes & so on. Early 90s ABI Maruader should still have old type bearings with split pin so you should be ok.


Personclbewi
08/6/2015 at 1:57pm
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290Nm Torque setting for one shot nuts.

Colin

-------------
Claire and Colin


Person99redballs
08/6/2015 at 2:50pm
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Thanks for your replies.i'll see if hubby has the spanners to do the job before i order the nuts .
incidentally how much does it cost to have the brake serviced these days if we cant do it ourselves?



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Personbilly
08/6/2015 at 3:11pm
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My caravan workshop charges £85 for chassis service which is just running gear & not interior. If you are diy'ing then check bearings first, as stated they my be older type that require bearings re packed with grease & use castellated nut retained with split pin. New grease seals usually required though.

ABI used Al-ko chassis so search Al-ko spares online, parts are available off shelf for chassis going right back to '80s.


Persontrog100
08/6/2015 at 7:50pm
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"290Nm Torque setting for one shot nuts."

thats to tighten them.. more force will be required to get the buggers undone.. he he

i am not short on tools but i gave up on mine for fear of breaking my 1/2 drive drive bar.. i was going to take them off to inspect the linings but left them alone after a good try at getting one of the one shot nuts undone..

they need a two foot long 3/4 drive bar to get them off i recon.. not a tool many folks will have.. for what its worth my van is a 1994 avondale mayfly and has them..

trog


Personnavver
08/6/2015 at 8:41pm
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You should be able to tap the cap off the centre of the wheel. If it's a castellated nut and split pin inside you can do it easily. If only a nut it will be a one shot.


Person99redballs
10/6/2015 at 8:49am
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thanks , good to know how much others charge and note the bearings .x


Persontrog100
12/6/2015 at 9:43am
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its worth noting the alko one shot hubs are maintenance free.. they are sealed and cant be greased the whole lot has to be replaced drum and bearings as one unit..

my own view is that if enough lining material is visible at the inspection hole the drums spin freely with no knod they are best left alone..

trog



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