Troubleshooting One Brake Assembly Getting Hotter Than the Other
Question:
Brand new camper. Left brake gets to 240 deg F after a few brakes. Right side is around 110 deg F. Dealer says it’s a bad ground and the magnet needs to be replaced. Wouldn’t a bad ground result in no braking on that side? How can a new magnet wear when there is no ground on one side? What do you think would cause the bias?
asked by: KRW
Expert Reply:
A bad ground can cause just one brake assembly to get hotter only as a result of the assembly with the bad ground not engaging, which in turn causes the assembly on the other side to do all the work (thus get hotter). It appears though that both brake assemblies on your axle are working so I don't think a bad/weak ground is the culprit here.
When just one assembly gets a lot hotter it's usually just a case of that particular assembly being adjusted tighter than the other. You want to make sure that both brake assemblies are adjusted so that there is only a slight drag when turning the wheel. I have attached a good video demonstration below and you can watch the adjustment process starting at the 4:23 mark.
If this doesn't resolve the issue or the brakes are already both adjusted properly please let me know and we can continue to troubleshoot.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Replacement MaxxFan Circuit Board for a MaxxFan 10A04301KZ Circuit Board
- Shop: Replacement Printed Circuit Board for MaxxAir Manual Lift RV Roof Vents
- Shop: Replacement Printed Circuit Board and Switch for MaxxFan Roof Vents
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Q&A: Comparing the eTrailer and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Drum Heat Build-Up on One Hub of Boat Trailer
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 2,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 7" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2
- Q&A: Damaged Caused to Travel Trailer Brake Drums and Bearings by High Temperatures
- Q&A: Why Would Trailer Brakes Get Warmer on One Side When Brake Controller is Used
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 8K
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 8K Axles - 12-1/4" Diameter - 8 on 6-1/2
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brakes - Electric Drum Brakes - AKEBRK-8 Review
- Q&A: How to Initially Adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right - 8K
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Where Only One Assembly Is Getting Hot
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Brakes BP01-110 Review
- Search Results: magnet
- Search Results: magnets
- Search Results: wheel hub caps
- Search Results: 23~26~27
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Article: Testing Breakaway Systems
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Video: Review of Dexter Axle Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - 84656UC3-EZ
- Video: Review of Dexter Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - 8-407-5UC3-EZ
- Search Results: 10 electric brake drum
- Search Results: electric drum brakes trailer brakes
Paul G.
5/1/2024
I have the same problem. 5 year old travel trailer. One brake still looks new. Had to do a full replacement on the other side. It wore out. The new brake still gets much hotter than the other side. Checked the magnet on the brake still looks new side and it had less amperage. Replaced that magnet and it works better but, only gets slightly warm, the other side gets hot. Both brakes use the same hot wire and ground wire and are never adjust brakes. Nobody can figure out why.