Only One Side of Brakes Work on Trailer

Question:

We have an IQ Primus Intelligent brake system on our van. What does it mean when we only have one side working. The other side get very hot, so therefore we cannot use our van at the moment. Can you tell us what to look for to fix this fault and how to fix it. It is a Tekonsha Primus IQ proportional braking system. 90160. It is about about 5 years old. We have not had any other issues with this system. Thank you

asked by: Gail

Expert Reply:

I would love to help but just to clarify, one side of your trailer has brakes that are functioning properly and one side does not and this side is getting hot. If that is the case then this points to an issue on the trailer more so than your van or the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller part # TK90160.

The first thing you are going to want to do is trace the brake output wire from the trailer side trailer connector back to the braking assemblies. There should be a point in this wire where it splits to the other braking assembly. You will need to check this for breaks or run a new lead to the magnet with part # 10-1-1. There may also be an issue with the magnet so you will need to check this as well using the attached help article.

Once the wiring is checked you will then want to remove the hub on the side that is getting hot and check to make sure it has the proper amount of grease and the castle nut is not too tight as this could very well be what is causing the hub to get hot. If all else fails you will need to repack the bearings and make sure the spindle is not scarred or discolored.

expert reply by: Conner L