My brakes are working, but barely doing any good. I can turn my controller all the way up and brakes barely do anything. I'm guessing I need to replace brakes? Pads? Drums? I'm not sure what exactly but I know something isn't right. Anyone know a little better what I might need to look into? I don't want to get hosed at shop so I want to know what I'm facing. Thank you.
Posted 2017-04-12 9:18 PM (#169745 - in reply to #169744) Subject: RE: 1990 sooner trailer brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448 Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
Odds are they just need adjusting. Dexter Axles has some DIY videos. Could also be worn out or contaminated. Again, there are many youtube videos on how to inspect and/or repair. Pull the wheels and inspect, and replace the grease seals while you are at it
Posted 2017-04-13 5:30 AM (#169747 - in reply to #169744) Subject: RE: 1990 sooner trailer brakes
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Pataskala, Ohio
If you are not sure what you are doing please take it to a shop. I have a friend who is a professional mechanic who just retired but he still does my truck and trailer because of the importance of what it is. The safety of my family, horses and the Jeep he and I built are too important to him to trust it to anyone else. Brakes must be done right.
Posted 2017-04-13 5:58 AM (#169748 - in reply to #169744) Subject: RE: 1990 sooner trailer brakes
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
As was stated, the brake drums should be removed and the brakes, seals and bearings should be inspected. If a seal has leaked, there may be grease on the brake shoes. The linkage may be in poor repair, or the brakes may only need an adjustment. None of this can be properly determined until a visual inspection is accomplished.
While everything is apart, it's a good time to replace the grease seals, repack/replace the bearings and check all the mechanical bits for wear. Once this is accomplished, you can be secure in the knowledge that your trailer's braking system is functioning at its maximum capability.
At the same time, all the electrical connections inside the trailer's electrical plug should be examined. The pins can be coated with a dielectric grease to reduce oxidation and improve the electrical conductivity.
Posted 2017-04-13 8:05 AM (#169751 - in reply to #169744) Subject: RE: 1990 sooner trailer brakes
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: WI
I know how to adjust the brakes with that little wrench that looks like flat head screwdriver. The rest I'm not going to even try. I have no idea what I'm looking at. I'll just take to my mechanic and let him figure it out. I'll just have to trust him. Thank you for replies.
1990 sooner trailer brakes
