Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes That Are Locked Up After Sitting In Storage For 3 Years

Question:

I have a buyer for a 2008 Weekend Warrior. The problem is that the brakes are locked up. 40 ft with 3 wheels each side It has been parked in one place for 3 years. So far, weve adjusted the brake shoes out. The Breakaway switch is hard to pull the pin out. Weve cut the wires coming into the switch. It still wont budge. Were trying to move it wit 2500 diesel, FORD I think.

asked by: Gene D

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may have to pull the hubs apart on your 2008 Weekend Warrior 5th Wheel Toy Hauler. As the trailer has sat for 3 years it is possible that some of the components inside your hub may have become damaged by corrosion in that time. If the springs or mounting tabs have become damaged you may have loose parts sitting inside the hub that is wedging the brakes in place.

Another issue that might be occurring is the electromagnet may have corroded itself to the hub face and does not want to break free. This would cause that brake to be stuck on at all times when trying to move the trailer. If this is the case you will likely need to hit the face of the drum near the bottom with a mallet to get the magnet to break free from the face to pull the drum/hub off.

Let me know what parts that you find are damaged, brake assemblies, hubs, bearings, etc and I can help you find the correct replacement parts with the information off your axle.

expert reply by: Bud M