Posted 2009-02-25 11:40 AM (#100140) Subject: Brakes grabbing
Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 2
Location: East Tennessee
We're having a problem with the brakes grabbing pretty hard on our trailer -- it's done this with 2 differrent brake boxes and 2 different trucks and different settings on each one.
My husband is the one that drives most of the time and he's pressing lightly on the brakes. It did the same with me on the other truck.
We're also noticing that it's happening when you're re-braking-- meaning that you've hit the brakes and you're backing off of them but then press down on the brake peddle.
Posted 2009-02-26 12:22 AM (#100184 - in reply to #100140) Subject: RE: Brakes grabbing
Veteran
Posts: 177 Location: East London South Africa
The fact that it does it with two different trucks, tells me that the problem is with the trailer....when last have you checked the actual brake shoes ? I would strip the drums and check the trailer brakes, adjust them properly and then go for a test drive. It is probably worn or incorectly adjusted brakes....
Posted 2009-02-26 7:45 AM (#100189 - in reply to #100140) Subject: RE: Brakes grabbing
Member
Posts: 40
I agree with Barfly--that the problem is in the trailer. In addition to checking the brakes themselves, I would check the wiring from the plug all the way to the brakes to be certain the insulation has not been nicked or rubbed off anywhere. I would also take the plug apart and make sure all the wires are tight in their little screws and no bare wires are touching something else.
Posted 2009-02-26 8:18 AM (#100191 - in reply to #100140) Subject: RE: Brakes grabbing
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I would do a thorough inspection of the brake assemblies. The retractor springs, cam pivot points and star linkage could be rusty and hanging up. The electrical circuit is working, it's applying the brakes. But if as was stated, different controllers have the same affect, it may be a problem of the brakes themselves.
A complete disassembly, inspection and lubrication with high temp grease may solve the problem. As a last resort, a replacement of the brake shoes may offer a solution.
Posted 2009-02-26 12:09 PM (#100220 - in reply to #100140) Subject: RE: Brakes grabbing
Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 2
Location: East Tennessee
I'm not sure what he's done in regards to the brakes on the trailer. I've forwarded the thread to him at work so he can take a look at it. At least he's got a starting place.
Posted 2009-02-26 3:30 PM (#100232 - in reply to #100140) Subject: RE: Brakes grabbing
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
Mine did that and it was just exactly what eclipse said-a raw wire shorting out on the trailer plug. I'd start with the easy to check, cheap to fix stuff first. It's usually the obvious that gets overlooked.
Brakes grabbing
