Brake Frozen On One Side Of Trailer

[Diamonddave952]

I need some help from my fellow boaters. I bought a used boat (back in the late part of May) that has a 1991 Shorelander tandum axle trailer with surge brakes. I've used the boat about 5 times since taking ownership of it and have not had any problems with the trailer. I took the family out to the lake to enjoy the beautiful weather we are having in the Twin Cities (MN). I had no problems with the trailer launching the boat, however, when I went to get my truck and trailer to land the boat, I noticed that one of my trailer wheels would not turn in either forward or reverse. The only thing that I did different from my other trips was I backed my trailer over a curb to make room for other boater (Minnesota nice...). I've seen other people do this so I didn't think much of it. Could this have caused my brakes to become stuck? What would have cause something like this to happen? I plan on bringing my trailer in to have it serviced and want to go into the shop educated so they don't sell me a new trailer Any feedback would certainly be welcomed and appreciated!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Brake Frozen On One Side Of Trailer

More than likely the brake wheel cylinder for that wheel is stuck in the outward position. These have a fairly short life especially if the trailer is dunked in salt water ever. You should plan on replacing the wheel cylinders of every wheel that has brakes.

 

[12vMan]

Re: Brake Frozen On One Side Of Trailer

Boy they would have to be a real slimeball to try and sell you a new trailer

Like Bruceb said about saltwater, not only do brakes have a short life, but the bearings, hubs and everything else. If you don't already have buddy bearings, I would recommend installing some.

It's almost certainly the wheel cylinders are rusted frozen. Hopefully they're not rusted too bad for removal.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Brake Frozen On One Side Of Trailer

almost certainly the wheel cylinders are rusted frozen. Hopefully they're not rusted too bad for removal.

No big deal if they are. Just brake the bolts off and you are ready to install the new one.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Brake Frozen On One Side Of Trailer

Rust maybe a factor but since he is in Minneapolis, MN, I doubt that it is due to saltwater.
So did the wheel turn after you loaded the boat?
I bet it did and that wheel/hub got really hot to on the way home. Might want to insure your bearings are still good and packed with grease.
It could be that the shoe retractor spring(s) broke and could no longer do their job. If that is the case the drum would not likely get as hot.
The above is assuming you have drum brakes.

Not too hard to get a lightweight tandem axle trailer wheel to not turn when empty.
If the suspension pivot points are stiff and you bump the axle with the brakes up on the curb, maybe you then do not have enough weight on that one wheel for enough friction with the road to turn the wheel.

 

[Diamonddave952]

Re: Brake Frozen On One Side Of Trailer

The wheel did eventually break free. I wasn't sure if the wheel broke free because I bled the brake that was frozen or if it was due to the weight of my boat that did it. It was just a sickening sound hearing your tire squeel and having everyone and their brother looking at you funny

I bought my trailer in to a local marine shop and had it checked out just to be on the safe side.

 

[Eddie P]

Re: Brake Frozen On One Side Of Trailer

I'm a boating newbie, just started trailering our boat this month. So how did you bleed the frozen brake. I can see this happening to me and wondering - '...what now...'

Also, what was the final outcome at the shop - what was broken and what got fixed. Thanks for the post, I'm always trying to learn something new.