Should New Trailer Brakes Pulse at Low Braking Application
Question:
Just installed these on my trailer. It did not previously have trailer brakes. I am very pleased with how quickly they were shipped and will be using you guys again as well as telling my friends and family how convenient and fast your processes are. Everything went smoothly on install and it was a quick job. Upon testing the brakes it took about 30 miles for them to start grabbing, I assume this is normal as the shoes take shape to the drums. On the next trip out, however, I noticed a sort of throbbing or pulsing. The brakes do catch in some spots when I turn the wheel I noticed this when doing the initial adjustment. Could both drums be out of round from factory? Or is this something that happens as they are breaking in and it it a new shoe/new drum issue? More info. It seems to start as the brake controller hits about 15-20 on the display it stops pulsing at higher than 25 and I get lock up at about 35-40 its a fairly light trailer when not loaded at about 1,200 lbs. added a new junction box and ran 12 gauge wire to brakes. Grounded the brakes to the trailer body.
asked by: Thurston J
Expert Reply:
The assemblies you have are most likely self adjusting assemblies that tighten slowly with each brake application until they are grabbing lightly all the time. Not enough to slow you down but there will be a light drag as the drums glide on the shoes.
Since your brakes seem to be more capacity than you need it's not going to take much braking power to get them to start feeling them slow you down. Most likely what you are experiencing is brakes over rated for your empty trailer and them being new and needing to clearance themselves with more mileage.
You might pull them off to make sure your drums aren't out of round or the assemblies are looking fine. If everything looks fine just keep driving and keep an eye on it. If the problem gets worse you may have something going on but I would predict it getting better.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Easy Grease
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Q&A: Replacement Brake Assemblies for 2008 Tundra Trailer
- Video: etrailer Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drums Installation - 2020 K-Z Sportsmen Classic Travel Trailer
- Search Results: trailer hubs and drums
- Shop: Mounting Hardware for 10" Brake Assemblies
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Function and Grease Seal Failure
- Q&A: Merits of Replacing Drum Brakes vs. Rebuilding Drum Brakes
- Q&A: Why It Is Better to Replace Entire Trailer Brake Assembly When Pads Are Worn Out
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Hum But Do Not Lock Up
- Q&A: Where are the Bearings for the eTrailer Trailer Hubs Made
- Q&A: How to Determine if Trailer Brake Magnets/Brake Assemblies and Hub and Drums Need to Be Replaced
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - AKHD-545-35-EZ-K
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Brakes - Electric Drum Brakes - 23-468-469 Review
- Search Results: 23~468~469
- Search Results: 008~247~05
- Search Results: break away switch
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 3,000 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing