Troubleshooting Hydraulic Drum Brakes on Boat Trailer Rubbing After Removing Actuator
Question:
We have a roller boat trailer with hydraulic drum brakes we got along with our 2002 boat... after getting it we had issues with the actuator when hitching and backing up so we removed the actuator on the tongue and replaced it with a standard coupler and left the hydraulic line open. The second time we used the trailer after being stored for 5 months the brakes were rubbing and making a grinding sound. The boat with motor is only 1,700 lbs and we think were comfortable without the brakes. Did removing the actuator and having the hydraulic line open cause the brakes to engage for some reason? Can we remove the drum brake components to more effectively disconnect the brake system? Long term we would be comfortable changing out the system with new components should we trailer more, but we typically are only using it to put the boat in at the beginning of the season and taking it out at the end of the year for storage We live in MN. Thanks!
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
With your boat trailer, removing the actuator would not have caused the brakes to apply. It sounds like there is a mis-adjustment with the assembly due to either the springs or adjuster spacer not engaging correctly. I assume the lack of pressure in the wheel cylinder likely meant shifting of the brake shoes and causing misalignment. I recommend removing the hub and then removing the brake shoes, springs, and adjuster. This will remove any braking issues causing rubbing/grinding. I recommend still keeping the brake backing plate on to keep debris out of the drum. You can remove the wheel cylinder or keep it installed, but you will want to remove the piston.
If at some point you want to remove the assembly backing, then I recommend changing the hub/drum to idler hubs. You will need to check the hub bearings for the number printed on them to get the correct hub replacements. I personally would wait because of the function/use until the bearings need repaired or replaced.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: 23~312~313
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Shop: Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Search Results: max coupler
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 90160
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer
- Video: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Review RU-18-TA-00302588
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: fender
on Trailer Brakes
