Surge brakes frozen

[rkearn]

I have a 98 sea lion trailer for 21' boat w/ surge drum brakes. The brakes are locked. I cannot get the drum off. Used plenty of penetrating oil & pryed. My guess is the brakes are holding the drums in place. How can I release?

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Surge brakes frozen

loosen the bleeder valve it will let any pressure off of the cylinder.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge brakes frozen

Just keep on prying. Worst case is that you will be replacing the backing plate but you may be doing that anyway.

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Surge brakes frozen

Depending on how badly things are rusted up, you might be able to back the brakes off with the adjusting wheel. Near the bottom of the backing plate, you should see an oval hole with a rubber plug in it. If you remove that plug, you can try turning the adjusting wheel with a large flat blade screw driver and see if the brakes free up. Good luck.