Take a break to check your brakes!

[Seadeals]

I spend a lot of time inspecting and keeping up on maintenance to prevent surprises; but I just got surprised so I want to share. It could have turned out very bad; but I was lucky and got off easy.

Last weekend was warm so I decided to pull the boat out and blow out the garage. As I started to roll forward, I heard grinding (a little more than dragging pads). I stopped half way out and found the caliper had completely come free from the mount and was dragging the inside of the rim. Both hex bolts (in the rubber protectors) had completely backed out! Our last trip back had been from TN through the I40 mountain pass! Pop the rubber caps and check that torque every year or so. Mine got put back in with a healthy dose of locktite.

 

[Ronnie]

Unfortunately, I have been there and done that. That is, one of my calipers detached from the axle on the freeway a few years ago. I Went from a smooth ride to one with a lot of vibration instantly and resulted in me pulling over and having the boat towed home on a flat bed trailer. If I would have taken five minutes to check, tighten and add some loc tight, I could have avoided the expense, stress and time suck that came out of this.

 

[BlkGS]

Nice Daytona jack

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

These posts here are confirming my plan to pull the wheels/hubs over the winter break to check everything out. I’m planning on some extensive trailering to new boating locations this summer so need to make sure that running gear is in top notch shape.

 

[BlkGS]

These posts here are confirming my plan to pull the wheels/hubs over the winter break to check everything out. I’m planning on some extensive trailering to new boating locations this summer so need to make sure that running gear is in top notch shape.

Check your axles too. When I replaced mine they were so rusted the whole hub could be snapped off with a light kick.