brake overheated

[77_starcraft]

I had one brake over heat after a 5 mile 8% grade decent down to the lake. the brake was smoking a little. was fine on the return trip.

the trailer is a dual axle with surge brakes on the rear only. boat is about 4000lbs. I had to replace the just axle itself recently and put about 600 miles w/o problems on steep mountain roads with several 15+ mile 6-7% grades.

is this one brake adjusted to tight (It's adjusted to not rub at all when hot) or is the brake system marginal for the weight? will adding brakes to the front axle help?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: brake overheated

Have you taken off the wheel to see what the brakes look like? You may have grease on the linings.

 

[77_starcraft]

Re: brake overheated

inner wheel seal is leaking grease. having trouble getting a new seal. can't be that hard to find a seal for a dexer axle......

 

[jake505]

Re: brake overheated

one of these should fit

http://dexteraxle.com/seals

 

[jeffnick]

Re: brake overheated

Assuming surge drum brakes - the hot side could be adjusted a little snug, the spindle nut could be too tight or it could be normal and the other side is not adjusted tight enough. Going downhill while lightly applying brakes or using compression braking can cause any surge brakes to activate and get hot.

I adjust my drums with just a tad of noise but no drag to speak of.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: brake overheated

Assuming surge drum brakes - the hot side could be adjusted a little snug, the spindle nut could be too tight or it could be normal and the other side is not adjusted tight enough. Going downhill while lightly applying brakes or using compression braking can cause any surge brakes to activate and get hot.

I adjust my drums with just a tad of noise but no drag to speak of.

I guessed you missed his post where he said he has grease leaking past his seals. Grease on the linings will make them stick like crazy. A grease soaked lining can lock up a wheel!