I need HELP!!!: Inspecting RPod Brakes

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Inspecting RPod Brakes

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12882
Printed Date: 12 May 2025 at 11:23pm
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Topic: Inspecting RPod Brakes

Posted By: Jeepinator
Subject: Inspecting RPod Brakes
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 10:21am

i’m going to pull off my wheels to check a minor brake squeal. Other than a visual inspection, is there a way to check that they are engaging properly?

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Willys
2017 179

Replies:

Posted By: Jeepinator
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 4:46pm

Update - After pulling the wheel off and removing the nut & bearing I could not remove the drum. It would turn with a fair amount of drag but as I attempted to pull it off it locked up hard and now will not move. I attempted to back off the brake tensioner but the angle of the teeth causes the brake tool to slip off. Anyone have any tips to ease the tensioner? I did release the back-off safety when attempting to ease the tension so that was not the issue.

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Willys
2017 179

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 5:15pm

I use two screwdrivers since I don't have a proper brake tool. One is to lift up the spring-loaded adjuster so it disengages from the star wheel. The second is to turn the star wheel to back off the tension. It is not the easiest thing to do, but once you get it figured out, it isn't too bad.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 5:17pm

You need to reduce the shoe drag on the drum. Look in the adjuster hole. Do you see a star wheel with a lever on it? Using a small screwdriver lift the lever and using a brake tool or screwdriver turn the star wheel. It is best if you have help turning the tire. I leave the tire on when reducing brake setting, because hub is easier to turn with a tire on it. As you try to pull off the hub you could be hitting high spots on the inside of the hub that are holding it on. Make sure hub is all the way seated. The lever on the adjuster makes sure the star wheel can't back off.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Jeepinator
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 5:24pm

Thanks for the replies! Lifted the spring loaded adjuster and attempted to turn the star wheel up. Guess I just have to keep at it.

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Willys
2017 179

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 6:30pm

There is a possibility it is stuck. Have you tried opposite direction? I know you folks have some rough winters in NH. Sounds to me like you have the process right. Give the drum a couple good whacks near the hub. It just sounds like shoes are not backing off. If you have no luck, take it to a brake place that does RV brakes. The noise concerns me, along with the star doesn't adjust.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 7:07pm

Are you sure you're rotating the star wheel the right way? Rotating it upwards tightens the brakes IIRC., but my recollection could be wrong.

If the drum is just plain stuck on there then most likely your drum is scored and your brake shoes have become badly damaged so the drum won't slide off them. Mime were like that. I just ended up putting the wheels back on so I could get leverage and yanked it off a little at a time, followed by complete replacement of drums and brake plate assemblies. You can get them on Amazon for about $300 for the axle. An easy replacement at least. 4 bolts and two wires per brake plate.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: Jeepinator
Date Posted: 29 May 2019 at 8:11pm

Originally posted by offgrid

Are you sure you're rotating the star wheel the right way? Rotating it upwards tightens the brakes IIRC., but my recollection could be wrong.

The Lippert video also indicated that rotating up tightens the brakes but the star locking mechanism prevents it from going up so my assumption is that it is preventing it from loosening. I’ll try down again though to see if it eases the pads.

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Willys
2017 179

Posted By: Jeepinator
Date Posted: 30 May 2019 at 10:15am

Sometimes the pain of acquiring knowledge is brutal. I definitely should have rotated up. Rotating down has locked the star adjuster hard. Unfortunately the angle of the tooth going up is shallower so the wrench slips off. Taking a break (no pun intended) then I’ll have another go at it. I’m open for any ideas. Oh, I was checking the other side and noticed one of the brake wires was either broken or not connected?! So I have have been using one brake for who knows how long.

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Willys
2017 179

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 30 May 2019 at 10:26am

The disconnected brake wires are common. Those insulation displacement connectors FR uses are crap. Change them for butt splices with self sealing heat shrink over them. Good luck with the adjustment stars.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 30 May 2019 at 5:45pm

+1, one of the first things I did 4 years ago was to upgrade my brake connections. Also secure the wiring around accessible areas, bad plan, when delivered.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."