Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

[victoryinerie]

I have a tandum trailer in which I had to put brakes on all four tires this year so I converted them to electric. The one axle had nothing therefore I had to add the whole brake/drum system. I notice that when I put the trailer into the water I am seeing steam come out of the water therefore something is getting hot. I checked the brakes and they seem loose, I put all new bearings in therefore I cannot imagine what else it could be.. I looked to see if anything was rubbing and nothing stood out.... Any suggestions what else to look for??

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

Bearing preload is probably set incorrectly. How did you adjust the spindle nut??

 

[victoryinerie]

Re: Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

I tightened the nut and than back it off a quarter turn.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

Brakes DO get HOT, especially drum brakes. (Dont ask me how I know.) Is it just the brake drum or disk boiling off water?

TerryMSU

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

Tightening the nut and backing off a quarter turn seems like too much play. You tighten the nut, loosen it, then tighten finger tight and insert cotter pin. If no hole lines up, back up until one does. Tapered bearings need a very slight amount of play but cannot be sloppy loose. Adjustment is done with wheel off the ground. Depending on how soon you launched after arriving at the ramp, the brakes may indeed be hot -- either from use or because one or more shoes are dragging.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

brakes get hot when used...... I'd be willing to bet that is you turned the gain all the way down on the brake controller you would not have steam... but then you would not have brakes either

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

I think I remember someone telling me that the shoes/pads are in contact with the drum/discs at all times so some amount of heat will always be present. I never see any on mine because it takes me maybe 10 min. to get prepped before I dunk and float.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Heat / Steam from Trailer after towing

Disc, yes. Drums, no. Neither should produce 'steam' ...