AL-KO Electric Braking System
Submitted: Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 12:07
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Member - Graeme D2
Does anyone know if the AL-KO Electric Braking System can be serviced by any qualified mechanic?
Reply By: Member - Rosco from way back - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 12:17
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 12:17
G'day Graeme
There's no reason why not. They are a simple arrangement and the servicing is minimal, merely cleaning and adjusting. Could be done by even a moderately capable
home mechanic, so would be a piece of cake for a tradesman.
I assume we are talking about the actual brakes and not the controller.
AnswerID:
546318
Reply By: Member - Graeme D2 - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 13:18
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 13:18
Thanks, I just wasn't sure as they told us we had to go to one of their agents!
AnswerID:
546324
Reply By: Rangiephil - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 13:55
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 13:55
Yes I just fitted electric brakes to my camper trailer when I found out the 500Kg tare was a fairy tale and it actually weighed 750Kg plus.
There is really only one adjustment which is a little star wheel that is turned from the outside.
The only catch is that the ALKO 10inch is an integral brake drum and hub, so it is good practice to repack the wheel bearings while the drum/hub is off and the mechanic has to know how to adjust wheel bearings which every mechanic in the world should know.
Regards Philip A
AnswerID:
546328
Reply By: swampfox - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 20:15
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 20:15
HI
The brakes can be serviced by any competent mechanic .
The bare minimum
remove drum
wash linnings with clean water to remove excessive dust
deglaze with emery tape both linnings and drum surface
For the most fussy people the linnings can be removed
anti seize on the adjuster and a spot of lithium grease on the linning rubbing surface where the linning conacts the backing plate . Inspect this syrface for wear and tare
regrease bearings optional at least every 2 years
Donot use a multipurpose grease "suitable for bearings "
Some muti greases are sh...t
Use either a Castrol HTB [prefered] , grease or APXT
A marine grease for lots of water crossings if needed
swampfox
AnswerID:
546348
Follow Up By: swampfox - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 20:16
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 20:16
forgot to mention after service adjustment is needed
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Reply By: peterdre - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 21:44
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 21:44
From my experience with electric brakes, adjust them up then back them off 3 turns or they will 'drag' and overheat. Seems the swinging electro magnet needs plenty of room to swing back and release the brake. Would like to hear comments on this subject.
Pedro
AnswerID:
546354
Follow Up By: swampfox - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:15
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:15
HI
if the linning and drum get a rough surface or if the brake magnet and the corresponding drum surface are rough u will have a poor FEEL for adjustment .
Slight brake drag is OK
If the linnings are radius ground to suit the drums when new there is no need to adjust linnings up to tight then back off . They are both of the same diameter .
swampfox
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:21
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:21
I was always under the impression that whenever shoes had been removed, you had to adjust them to wheel lock up, then, back them off to ensure that the shoes were centralised in the drum, as they aren't a complete semi-circle.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: swampfox - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 10:51
Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 10:51
hi
In an automotive situation ""as I have described ""centralizing linnings not required .If linnings were to have such a poor contact brake effectiveness would be poor .
In industrial brakes, semi trailer or larger centralizing the linnings would be beneficial
If the linnings are radius ground to the same drum diameter brakes will be very effective and take little or no time to bed in .
If u have "feel" in your fingers this is the preferred method for autos .Backing of three turns is for a larger application .
[backing of 3 turns would back off the linnings way way to far in an auto application .]
swampfox
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