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Flat spots on passenger side front tire on 385fl w/8000 lb axles

2 Allies

Prominent Member
I noticed a flat spot on the 215/75r17.5 Cooper tire last year and thought it was due to a brake lock up from the Chevy brake controller issue(ended being a recall issue for GM). I had it corrected after fist trip last year. I was doing suspension lubing over the weekend and noticed the same tire has a least 2 more flat spots as if it is locking up and sliding during aggressive stops? None of the other tires show any of this wear. I want to replace the tire but want to diagnose the issue 1st. Any ideas why the electric Dexter brakes on that wheel would cause the tire to slide and remove rubber?
Thanks in advance,
Bruce
 

BryanValRox

Elite Member
I noticed a flat spot on the 215/75r17.5 Cooper tire last year and thought it was due to a brake lock up from the Chevy brake controller issue(ended being a recall issue for GM). I had it corrected after fist trip last year. I was doing suspension lubing over the weekend and noticed the same tire has a least 2 more flat spots as if it is locking up and sliding during aggressive stops? None of the other tires show any of this wear. I want to replace the tire but want to diagnose the issue 1st. Any ideas why the electric Dexter brakes on that wheel would cause the tire to slide and remove rubber?
Thanks in advance,
Bruce
Hi Bruce, when you say electric, are you magnetic( electric) or Disc with the electric actuator?
 

BryanValRox

Elite Member
Hey Bruce, wanted to get this stuff posted to you tonight. We are traveling back from Cape Charles , Va tomorrow.
Here is a screenshot of symptoms and inspection items.
Additionally, the whole Dexter manual is attached.
 

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2 Allies

Prominent Member
Bryan,

Thanks for the material, I will review for answers. We were just across the Bay from you at First Landing Sate Park in Virginia Beach, came home Friday. Hope you had a great time, Cape Charles is a great place.

Thanks,
Bruce
 

BryanValRox

Elite Member
Bryan,

Thanks for the material, I will review for answers. We were just across the Bay from you at First Landing Sate Park in Virginia Beach, came home Friday. Hope you had a great time, Cape Charles is a great place.

Thanks,
Bruce
I thought we saw you over there waving when the sun was setting the other night.😂
Let me know if I can be of any help with your brakes.
 

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2 Allies

Prominent Member
Nice picture!
I looked over the material and the only thing that jumped out was that particular wheel's may have a brake shoe that is not adjusted tight enough. I think these are self adjusting though. It is odd that just this one wheel is locking up.
Headed to Rally next trip out, hopefully will get it figured out before I blow a tire 🤞
Thanks
Bruce
 

BryanValRox

Elite Member
Nice picture!
I looked over the material and the only thing that jumped out was that particular wheel's may have a brake shoe that is not adjusted tight enough. I think these are self adjusting though. It is odd that just this one wheel is locking up.
Headed to Rally next trip out, hopefully will get it figured out before I blow a tire 🤞
Thanks
Bruce
Well, I would recommend removing the wheel and drum and making basic inspections. If all is ok, double check the adjustments to ensure the the auto adjustment is doing its job. Regardless, it might be wise to reset the manual adjustments and see what happens.
If nothing is found or improves after basic adjustments and electrical checks are completed, I would recommend having your coach weighed at the rally to see what that particular wheel weight is. If it is found to to vastly different from the other, it would seem that a resistor designed for trailer brakes could be an option to equalize the force applied at each wheel.
Please keep us posted!
 
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2 Allies

Prominent Member
Thanks Bryan. I am scheduled for weighing at the rally and will check the brake before pulling out.
Precious suggestions.
Bruce
 

2 Allies

Prominent Member
Had my new H rated Cooper delivered today, Discount is going to balance and install. I will check wheel, brakes and adjust before swapping.
Then it will have a good test on the way to the Rally.
Thanks for your support,
Bruce
 
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