Brake Drum SOS

[Wmass camper]

All packed for NH trip. Didn't get 5 miles and heard a noise which caused us to stop. Returned home, jacked up. Dh found the front left drum, hot to the touch yet rotating fine. Upon taking off drum, spindle is too hot to touch. Any thoughts on what is causing the ovreheating?

[jcurtis934]

I would suspect either a "not fully seated bearing set" or a bearing heading towards meltdown...if he didn't find the bearings lacking grease. After that I would suspect a drum brake hanging up during braking to be the cause. If this was the first tow, I might suspect the spindle to be the issue. My factory installed bearings were Chinese and not that great, but this was way back in 2012/13 and they should be better by now. One could unhook one of the brake wires to that wheel and take it for a short tow to see I'd it repeats itself...but I would carefully inspect and release bearings if the bearings don't show any signs of heat damage. John

[Wmass camper]

Thanks, John. Bearings had just been repacked.
Seems that the brake shoe was hung up. He backed it off. Took test drive then checked again in VT. Seems that resolved this issue. 5 day trip salvaged.