Free Backing Hydraulic Trailer Brakes Not Allow Trailer To Back Up

Question

Question:

I am not sure how to tell if I have free backing plates or not compared to the pictures you show, it looks like I do have free backing plates. Recently, I bled the brakes, adjusted the shoes up and now I cannot back up. Is there something that I am missing Thanks

asked by: Greg

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Expert Reply:

Basically, a free backing brake assembly like # T4423400, will have one shoe that is shorter than the other and the bracket will be a different shape. On a regular assembly, the shoes will by mirror images of each other. Also, on a free backing assembly, you would be able to back up.

Also if the actuator has a reverse lockout on it, make sure it is engaged so you can back up. There are 2 types of lockout: manual and electric. A manual lockout will have a lever on the coupler that you have to physically push into the lockout position and it will be labeled.

An electric lockout uses a wire, attached to the reverse light circuit on the vehicle and a solenoid on the coupler, to engage the solenoid and not allow fluid to go back to the brakes when the vehicle is put in reverse.

A free backing brake will apply the brakes at first but then release as you continue to back up. If you do have free backing brakes that are not allowing you to back up, it could be a problem with the wheel cylinder, air in the lines, or the brakes may be too aggressively adjusted.

If the wheel cylinder is malfunctioning, you would need to replace it. For Titan 10 inch hydraulic brakes like what you have referenced, use # T0977700 (right hand side) or # T0977600 (left hand side).

If you suspect there is air in the lines, you will need to bleed the brakes again. I have included a link to a video showing the brake bleeding process our installers follow.

If the brakes are adjusted too tight, it could cause the problem. You would either need to apply more force to get the free backing brakes to disengage, or re-adjust the brakes. When you are adjusting the brakes, you want to be able to spin the wheel (with the brakes NOT engaged) and you should be able to hear the pad drag a little on the inside of the drum.

I have included a link to another video showing our installer adjusting some brakes. It is near the end of the video around the 4:54 mark.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Yes, you are correct. In order to correctly take this measurement you will need to measure from the center of the spindle to the center of the main axle tube. I have included a picture for reference.

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

The Replacement Shock Absorber Spring Kit #TK71-758-00 is the correct shock for your UFP Surge Brake Actuator. The picture you included does not specify if it is for a disc or drum brake set, so I have found both for you to choose from. Disc Brake…

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Answer 4

You're correct. A 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern will have 6 lugs with a 5-1/2 inch bolt circle. That means that if you measure from the center of one bolt across the hub to center of the opposite bolt, that distance will be 5-1/2 inches. I'll…

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Answer 5

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Answer 6

We carry all sorts of RV door parts including hinges and latches that you can see on the linked pages. I included links to hinges, latches and weather-stripping like #WS1434 and vinyl trim like #CAM25103. Since trailer makers do not keep track of…

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Answer 7

Thank you for the photo of your trailer tongue and actuator coupler. The one weld-on 6K drum brake actuator we offer is the Titan Multi-fit A-Frame Actuator #T2492800. This accepts 1-7/8-inch, 2-inch and 50mm hitch balls and includes a breakaway kit.…

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Answer 8

Your trailer must have free backing brakes if you have never used the surge brake actuating coupler reverse lockout. If you did not have free backing brakes, your brakes would most likely brake even if they didn't lock up when you back up because…

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Answer 9

I can't tell you exactly what you're going to have on your trailer, since it's not something that's available in a database, but if you know what type of brakes you've got on your EZ Loader trailer, the axle capacity and the size…

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Answer 10

I have a solution to get your Mastercraft boat trailer up and running again, but unfortunately we don't have a cross reference chart for parts for Reliable surge brake actuators. Manufacturers of surge brake couplers simply didn't make these…

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Answer 11

Trailer wheel lug nuts that are 1/2-inch inside diameter typically have a 20-TPI thread pitch (20 threads per inch). Most lug nuts also use a 60-degree-coned profile like #CE11051, but a 90-degree like #STN569 is also available for 9/16-inch studs.…

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Answer 12

I have actually linked a video that will help you with the process of bleeding disc trailer brakes. Go to about the 9:40 mark of the video. It is basically the same as bleeding drum brakes: make sure the actuator is full of fluid, move the actuator…

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Free Backing Hydraulic Trailer Brakes Not Allow Trailer To Back Up

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