Posted 2009-06-16 7:51 PM (#106554) Subject: Trailer Brakes get hot on one side only
Member
Posts: 5
Location: MA
Howdy Folks, Just but new brakes (dexter, new backing plate assemblies with magnets) on all 4 corners of our older Featherlight. All have been adjusted properly, wheel bearings greased and preloaded properly with correct free play.... All work fine but after about a 1 hr trip, reach around and feel the drums and both on the left side are very hot and the right side are cool. jacked up after stopping and none (either side have anything draging.) any thoughts on why one side might be hotter? Thank you
Posted 2009-06-16 9:51 PM (#106561 - in reply to #106554) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes get hot on one side only
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If they were adjusted correctly, it sounds as if one side is working and the other is not. Depending on your controller, you can tell if some or all are working by the voltage. Were the wiring splices assembled correctly? If both the brakes on one side are cool, the common blue wire from them may have a damaged section, preventing those brakes from working. I would check the new connections, and the common wires leading from them to the union of each side, where it eventually goes into the plug.
Was the linkage from the shoes to the magnets assembled correctly on both sides? The assembly is a mirror image.
Posted 2009-06-17 7:28 AM (#106569 - in reply to #106554) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes get hot on one side only
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
If you bought complete backing plates, you need to make sure that they didn't give you 4 left hand backing plates. Backing plate assemblies come in left hand and right hand assemblies. That could possibly be your issue.
Posted 2009-06-17 7:48 AM (#106570 - in reply to #106569) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes get hot on one side only
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by Tresvolte on 2009-06-17 8:28 AM
If you bought complete backing plates, you need to make sure that they didn't give you 4 left hand backing plates. Backing plate assemblies come in left hand and right hand assemblies. That could possibly be your issue.
Ding! Ding!.... Your ticket or bill for the parts should have shown two different part numbers for the brake assemblies.
Posted 2009-06-17 5:58 PM (#106589 - in reply to #106554) Subject: RE: Trailer Brakes get hot on one side only
Member
Posts: 5
Location: MA
Thanks for the ideas. I checked all 4 brake assemblies when I installed and all were correct for left and right. (I know the short shoe goes in front)The linkage and wire/connections will be checked next, very carefully. Another question: Getting ready to tow this trailer behind my 94 Class C motorhome (24' Ford E350 chassis) has any one towed with this combo or similiar one, and have any info to share? Upgraded the camper with firestone air bags and changed the ATF to prepare. Also put in new proportional brake controller.
Trailer Brakes get hot on one side only
