Hydraulic Trailer Drum Brakes Get Hot and Actuator Will Not Return After Storing Trailer for Winter

Question

Question:

The drum brakes on my 2002 Venture VRT5000 are getting hot and I cannot use the trailer as it is. This lock up happened I believe over winter storage. The drum brakes are only on the front axle. The one on the right is getting much hotter than the one on the left. I am considering replacing the brake cylinders on both sides as well as checking the actuator and shock absorber. I have a Titan actuator. I removed the brake actuator and shock absorber to see if there was a problem. I was unable to move the shock absorber by hand. It is stamped TC2 2008-10inch It is I have not tested the brake actuator with fluid yet. It seems as if the drum brakes are not returning to their normal state not contacting the drum. I am also replacing the bearings in all wheels. Please let me know if you have any advice. I appreciate it

asked by: Brian M

0

Expert Reply:

It is possible that if there is a leak then you have air trapped in the system causing some problems. There could also be some corrosion somewhere that is not allowing the actuator to return to its normal state after being pushed in.

Since the brakes are getting so hot, you will want to look at the drums too to see if there is any warping or color changes that can affect the performance. You can take them to a brake shop to be inspected.

Testing the system with fluid is a good way to determine if there are leaks, air in the system, or a mechanical problem with the actuator. Make sure to fill the reservoir with fluid. Attach a hose to the bleeder screw and run the other end into a glass jar. Use a 2x4 or other object to get leverage and move the actuator in and out. When you stop seeing bubbles in the jar of fluid, all the air is out of that side.

Also check to see if the breakaway system is engaged. If it is then the trailer brake would be on all of the time. You may need to reset the system if this is the case, then re-bleed the brakes. If you are still having issues, it may be a better idea to switch to disc brakes. There are fewer moving parts so less could go wrong.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Answer 1

Surge brakes use a hydraulic actuator to push fluid to the cylinder piston to activate the brake shoes on drum brakes or brake pads on disc brakes. This pressure should only be applied when weight is pushing against the hitch ball, so no pressure…

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Answer 2

I believe you are referencing a replacement shock for an actuator and from what you described it does sound like you are in need of a new one. The correct one will be a replacement for your actuator, and I'll list the replacements we carry so you…

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Answer 3

It sounds like the fact your brakes are locking and releasing is what will cause the bounce and porpoising you are describing. It sounds to me like your surge brake actuator is sticking and then releasing and then doing so again and again as you slow…

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Answer 4

The part you are looking for is the Brass Connector for Titan Disc Brake Kit, #T4750300. This is the fitting that threads into the master cylinder that accepts the reverse lockout solenoid on your Titan actuator. I have attached a link to this part…

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Answer 5

It is not uncommon for fluid not to come out of the master cylinder initially with new actuators or actuators that have a new master cylinder; the issue will likely resolve itself after being actuated a few times. I also recommend checking for any…

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Answer 6

A shock absorber's tongue like on the Titan Replacement Shock Absorber for Titan Model 60 Brake Actuators #T2336200 referenced in your question will not normally return on its own after bleeding the brakes. Typically you will have to manually…

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Answer 7

The Replacement Shock for Model 60 Actuators, #T2336200, has a collapsed length of 4.930 inches (4-15/16 inches) and an expanded length of 6.250 inches (6-1/4 inches). The length is measured between the holes on center.

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Answer 8

Yes, if you had a set of 12 by 2 inch electric trailer drum brakes you could replace them with the hydraulic drum brake kit part #23-336-337 or vice versa. The Dexter electric set in the same size and 7k capacity is the part #23-464-465.

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Answer 9

You may be getting air in the lines or have a wheel cylinder that needs to be replaced. It is also possible that you have the wrong side brake assembly on that right side but since it is only an issue after braking this is probably not the case.…

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Answer 10

The re-build kit for your Titan disc Brake Actuator is Titan Replacement Kit #T4820000. This kit is for disc brakes and includes the master cylinder, filler cap, connector and hardware. I have provided a link that will take you to the product page…

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Answer 11

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 12

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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Hydraulic Trailer Drum Brakes Get Hot and Actuator Will Not Return After Storing Trailer for Winter

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