Weird brake problem

[df909]

Ok...so I have a single axle trailer with surge brakes. I replaced the surge unit, put in new fluid, and bled the brakes about 100 miles ago & everything worked fine.

Today I take the boat out and when I try to retrieve the boat, one of the trailer tires is locked up. It will skid when I go forward, but when I go in reverse it will spin. I drained the brake fluid from the surge unit and I disconnected the brake line at the wheel & the wheel was still locked up. I went forward/reverse several times without luck.

So by now I'm really pissed cause my trailer isn't working and I'm a boat ramp jerk as my boat has been sitting tied to the dock for 30 minutes. I finally pay to keep the boat in a wet slip and get an okie dokie to leave the piece o' crap trailer in the parking lot until I can come back to fix it. Well, I have to move the trailer a bit to park it and, since I'm in such a good mood, I really give it some gas and whip the trailer around. I guess this was enough as the tire started to spin freely (of course, after I paid for wet storage).

What do you think could've cause one wheel to lock up going forward and not in reverse? Think it could be a wheel bearing? Thanks guys.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Weird brake problem

Check the back side of the wheel. If it is full of grease, the grease seal leaked, contaminated the brake shoe and when they are hot and the brakes are applied, they can stick to the drums. Classic problem.

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: Weird brake problem

Blue wire. Sounds like it's not bypassing the brakes when your in reverse (for that wheel). Trace the wire all the way back to that wheel, make sure it's not shorting out and see that it's properly grounded.

On another note. When you "got pissed and whipped the trailer around", you freed the wheel by pulling the coupler free. This is what released that brake.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Weird brake problem




Would help if you would tell us the type brakes you have.

 

[df909]

Re: Weird brake problem

Guess I should've put what type I have. They are the cheapo drum brakes. There is a bunch of grease all over in the brake area; that was this months project to re-build the brakes.

Will it be ok to drive to at least get me home? It's about 50 miles.

Thanks.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Weird brake problem

I'm assuming you've got drum brakes, and a failure of the basic pad retention springs/pins. A hardware kit with new springs and pins is usually under $20 bucks for both sides and will keep the shoes where they're supposed to be. And a new backing plate if needed isn't a big deal either. Something busted, usually a shoe retention spring. You don't state the age of the trailer or brake system type, but sadly boat trailer brakes don't last regardless of disc or drum. I'd recommend an annual inspection with your annual hand repack of the trailer bearings. (there I said TWO things I believe in annually) Brake hardware rusts at a phenomenal rate given heat/salt water etc. Champion Trailer is a decent source for replacement parts.

 

[contractorguy]

Re: Weird brake problem

I bet they wouldn't have locked if the boat was on... they're just a little snug..

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Weird brake problem

Guess I should've put what type I have. They are the cheapo drum brakes. There is a bunch of grease all over in the brake area; that was this months project to re-build the brakes.

Will it be ok to drive to at least get me home? It's about 50 miles.

Thanks.

Well that's good not either. Grease soaked brake pads grab like mad, best to figure out where the grease comes from. I'm betting it's brake fluid that's soaked the shoes which means the wheel cylinders are shot. Wheel bearing seals may be the cause, but they usually throw grease behind the plate, not on the shoes. You need a rebuild somewhere.
You don't state what you tow with or where, so it's hard to say if it's safe to drag it 50 miles. Your call. I'm just sayin that most single axle tailers with boats are pretty light, and with big time caution you'll get it home if you've got a ton of faith in your tow vehicle. Frankly I'd bet most people pay little or no attention to their boat trailer brakes until someting goes horribly wrong. Again, your call.

 

[df909]

Re: Weird brake problem

I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota Quadcab and my boat is a 1992 Bayliner Capri 2050. It's about 3500 pounds.

I imagine September will be a brake re-build & bearing attention month.

I've towed about 4000 pounds without extra brakes so I know my truck can stop it. I'll make sure I give plenty of room and take it real easy on the way home. Thanks for the help.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Weird brake problem

If needed you could disassemble the brakes and pull the trailer home for your intended repairs.

When you decide to do the repairs please consider, if possible, installing disc's. It will be money well spent, but only if you use Kodiak, either SS or cadmium, and the 2 part hub/rotor set up.

You will save money and concerns in the long run, with fewer problems and rebuilds.

Course this may only be feasible if your actuator can handle the necessary 1600 lbs pressure required for discs.

 

[burp]

Re: Weird brake problem

Ok...so I have a single axle trailer with surge brakes. I replaced the surge unit, put in new fluid, and bled the brakes about 100 miles ago & everything worked fine.

Today I take the boat out and when I try to retrieve the boat, one of the trailer tires is locked up. It will skid when I go forward, but when I go in reverse it will spin. I drained the brake fluid from the surge unit and I disconnected the brake line at the wheel & the wheel was still locked up. I went forward/reverse several times without luck.

Check your wheel cylinders. I'd bet the wheel cylinder is corroded allowing the wheel cylinder to extend with brake fluid pressure but the springs on the brake shoes can't retract it once the brake fluid pressure is released.

 

[contractorguy]

Re: Weird brake problem

Check your wheel cylinders. I'd bet the wheel cylinder is corroded allowing the wheel cylinder to extend with brake fluid pressure but the springs on the brake shoes can't retract it once the brake fluid pressure is released.

Ya... wheel cylinders... We used to hone and rebuild'em for really cheap, but now the replacement's about the same $$ as a rebuild kit..

If they drag, you could back off the adjuster, or just take all the guts out for the tow home.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Weird brake problem

Blue wire. Sounds like it's not bypassing the brakes when your in reverse (for that wheel). Trace the wire all the way back to that wheel, make sure it's not shorting out and see that it's properly grounded.

On another note. When you "got pissed and whipped the trailer around", you freed the wheel by pulling the coupler free. This is what released that brake.

Sounds like you're trying to combine electric and hydraulic surge systems. His brakes were freebacking as they should. There is no wire going to the brake on a surge system.

 

[df909]

Re: Weird brake problem

Hmm...that's a good idea to take them apart for the drive home. Why can't this stuff happen pulling out of the driveway so the boat isn't stuck at the lake???

Is it tough or expensive changing from drum to disc?

Thanks.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Weird brake problem

You can get complete backing plate assy with all new components for around $40ea. Makes no sense to do anything but pull and discard the old backing assy. Replace the grease seal, check and repack the bearings and you're good to go.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Weird brake problem

Hmm...that's a good idea to take them apart for the drive home. Why can't this stuff happen pulling out of the driveway so the boat isn't stuck at the lake???

Is it tough or expensive changing from drum to disc?

Thanks.

I recently replaced the disc units on my tandem trailer with Kodiak brand. In my case it was fairly easy. Changing from drum to disc is a good idea, but can be expensive up front.

The actuator must be able to produce 1600psi and have a back up solenoid as discs don't release in reverse. Then, of course, you have to install the hubs and rotors and calipers. If you go this route, use the 2 piece rotor/hub to make replacement cheaper.

If you really want to do it up right, go with electric/hydraulic, best of both worlds.

I would think, with careful shopping, the cost could run from $400/$600 for a single axle trailer.