Trailer Brakes on 1 Axle are Weak on Tandem Axle Trailer

Question:

2006 pj 14000# trailer 2 x 7000# axles I cannot get my rear axle to lock up. Replaced new brake assemblys and hubs Still no success. Also replaced rear wiring. When I lift the trailer and pull the safety all wheels lock up. When I lower the trailer back on the ground and drive forward only the front axle will lock up Can not figure this out HELP!! Going crazy

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Having the tires off the ground only means that the brakes just have to stop the tires from spinning and not the momentum or weight of the trailer so it is not surprising that the trouble axle seems to work fine in that scenario.

Usually when brakes are weak it is because they need to be adjusted. They need to be adjusted so that you hear a slight but constant drag of the pads on the inside of the drum. To see how to manually adjust trailer brake assemblies check out the video I attached, fast-forward to the 4:35 mark of the video. If you need an adjusting tool use # W80630.

You may need to change the gauge wire going back to the brakes. Use the next largest size from what you have now.

If there is any grease inside the drums or on the brake shoes then they will be weak so make sure no grease is on the surface between the drum and the shoe pads.

expert reply by: Michael H