Trailer Brakes Release Intermittently on Enclosed Car Trailer
Question:
I have an 01 Featherlite 20foot enclosed car trailer. Im seeking advice for an intermittent braking issue that Ive been fighting for a while now. The brakes seem to apply well for the most part, but at times they suddenly let go for no apparent reason. Not certain, but it seems to occur mostly at slower speeds. I have just replaced all of the shoes and gone through the bearings/seals, and inspected all other related parts. The hubs and drums do have some very minor grooves, but in my opinion, not enough to harm anything. All 4 brakes apply normal without fail, when tested in the air. The magnetic coils appear to be OK visually. The wear indicator holes are almost all still visible with the exception of one- and it shows 3 of the 4 holes still visible. I couldnt see and dont believe there are any coil windings showing through yet. I have checked and re-checked the trailer wiring. I have ruled out the pull vehicle- as I tried it with another known good trailer and it worked flawless. I am questioning if one of the coils might be causing this issue. When this occurs- all of the brakes let go together. I was thinking that if only one coil was shorting out, the other 3 might still function. But perhaps thats not the case... When they do let go- the controller light goes red- as if a lost connection to the trailer brakes. I also locked down the brake pedal and wiggled every wire down the line- but that process didnt phase it whatsoever. Sorry, but no photos to attach at this time. Hoping youve experienced something like this- and can help save my sanity! Thank you in advance! Ps- I happen to be an automotive repair shop owner- with many years experience repairing all kinds of automotive electrical problems. Therefore, I do feel somewhat more qualified that the average guy- which aggravates me- because I shouldve sorted this out on my own by now! Ha.
asked by: Jim
Expert Reply:
The fact that the braking issue happens when you are towing the trailer but not when it is sitting still for testing makes me think that there is a loose connection somewhere that is affected by movement of the trailer and vehicle.
The first places to look are the vehicle and trailer side connectors. Make sure each of them is clean and free of corrosion inside where the wires attach and outside on the pins. Make sure the wiring going to the trailer brakes is not pinched or sandwiched between any components and that the ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces near the brake assemblies.
If the trailer is using a breakaway system it, too, could be a source of the problem. So you would need to check its wiring, pull pin, battery charge and so on. I have included a link on testing a breakaway system for you.
As you probably know weird things can happen with electrical components so I would not be surprised if an internal problem with one magnet affected the others. You can test the magnets themselves by following the help article I have linked.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Trailer Brake Magnet for Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- 4400 lbs
- Brake Magnets
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch
- Dexter
more information >
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