Help with Noisy Brake Component

markcee · 01-24-2021, 10:02 AM

I did a bearing repack on all 4 wheels recently because I had to replace a faulty brake magnet. On the way home from storage I rolled my windows down just to listen for anything unusual and heard a faint 'flapping' type noise as the tires rotated. I isolated the issue to one of the wheels and pulled off the hub.

There is a bracket of sorts that sits behind the magnet spring and extends up to the top of the assembly that seems particularly loose and I'm pretty sure this is what is making the noise. I pulled off the tire/hub on it's neighbor and while this is certainly not tight, it does not bounce around nearly as much as the noisy one. I do not see any way to tighten the bracket, and in my ignorance, I don't even know it's purpose and if it needs to move so freely.

I posted a pic with the arrows identifying the loose bracket. I was wondering if I could zip tie it through the hole I've circled in the pic or if anyone can provide any better assistance.

Added: Google seems to identify the offending component as the actuator arm....doesn't sound too promising that I can zip tie this guy.....

**chuckster57** · 01-24-2021, 10:31 AM

That bracket is the arm that the magnet is attached to and HAS TO MOVE to apply the brakes. As you press the brakes, voltage is sent to the magnet and it grabs onto the drum. The more voltage the harder it grabs, and with the wheel spinning it rotates back.

Use you hand to move the bracket and you'll see what I mean. Leave it alone.

markcee · 01-24-2021, 10:35 AM

OK, thanks. So the noise I'm hearing because of this is normal/nothing to worry about? I'm pretty certain this is the cause.

**chuckster57** · 01-24-2021, 10:40 AM

If the bracket moves freely and it isn't real wobbly ( I know thats subjective) I would leave it alone.

markcee · 01-24-2021, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If the bracket moves freely and it isn't real wobbly ( I know thats subjective) I would leave it alone.

You know, I feel like a real moron (mechanic I am not) but I just realized that the actuator arm (the entire assembly for that matter) is not spinning when the tire rotates. The hub on the spindle - ensconced in my carefully repacked bearings - is.

So, my question is this: any idea what could be making that noise with each revolution? The bearings looked good on removal and reseated without issue. The hub itself moves freely - I just hear that knock each go'round. I tightened the castle nut modestly with a pair of big channel locks and then backed it off to expose the cotter pin hole.

As an FYI, when I spin the hub counter-clockwise it's quiet as can be.

**chuckster57** · 01-24-2021, 04:16 PM

It’s the magnet, and I wouldn’t spend anymore time worrying about it personally.

markcee · 01-24-2021, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

It’s the magnet, and I wouldn’t spend anymore time worrying about it personally.

Got it. Thanks very much. Just wanted to make certain the noise didn't indicate something I was overlooking.

K_N_L · 01-24-2021, 05:12 PM

As note, once your hub is back on, if you pull the emergency break away cable, the magnet will activate and grab the hub as you try to spin the hub/wheel. I did this to verify my electrical connection after replacing the backer plate/ brake assemblys. I had heard a rattling noise as well and it was due to the keeper spring breaking and causing the adjuster and parts to bounce around inside the hub.

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