Troubleshooting Locked Up Brakes After Using Bearing Buddy to Put Grease in Hub

Question:

I have a tandem trailer with surge brakes on all four wheels. I have replaced the pads on all four and only have about 500 miles since this. Prior to my most recent trip, I greased bearings and noticed that one had a little water in it which was odd. I went ahead and used bearing buddy zirc fitting to replace the grease. 100 mile round trip and I was checking the wheel and noticed that the wheel had slung grease everywhere. I pulled off wheel and the brake is locked up. Then checked other wheel on same side and its locked up as well-well engaged but I could turn the wheel. Then upon further inspection realized I had the bolt in place the whole trip to disengage the brakes anywaysso I guess Im asking what in the world should I do? I want to try to repair myselft if possible. The trailer is a 2005 model. And since I dont trust that the brakes wont engage should I remove the brakes to move the trailer at all? Gotta get out of the middle of the driveway. Hindsight that wasnt the best place to work but its the flattest place I have. Right now I have em sitting on top of the trailer frame. Thought about just zip tieing em to the fram for now. I havent checked the other side yet but sure its the same thing. I was thinking of replacing the actuater and tongue ? Currently Tiedown Model 70E brake actuator- and do you know which model is most compatible?

asked by: Dave I

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you made the easy mistake of putting too much grease in your hubs with your Bearing Buddies and it blew out your seal and emptied the grease out and damaged the bearings and that's why the wheels are locked up.

So you'll need to pull the hubs off and inspect the bearings and spindle and replace as needed. If you get me the bearing numbers or axle capacity I can help you find that info.

expert reply by: Jameson C