Trailer Brakes Do Not Release With Brake Pedal On One Side of Trailer

Question:

My caravan brakes very hot left side I have machined all drums all new linings . Spin left front wheel apply brake hold pressure against the wheel release foot brake and brakes hold on until wheel comes to full stop.right side operating ok. Any ideas thanks

asked by: Peter D

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brakes on one side of your trailer are not releasing properly or you have a spindle nut that is zipped down too tight. I would first make sure the spindle is not on too tight but since you just did some work to your brakes I would check the adjustment of the shoes using the adjuster wheel on the back of the assembly. There should be a slight drag on the pads without the brakes engaged. If the wheels don't spin freely then you will need to loosen the adjuster wheel.

The next thing you will want to check is your wiring. If you are getting voltage on the brake output wire once the brakes are released then that means you have a short somewhere so you will need to start tracing this wire until you find it. If you don't have any power on the brake output wire once the brakes are release then odds are there is an issue with your brake magnets. I have attached an article on how to test the brake magnets for you.

expert reply by: Conner L