Trailer Brakes Drag After Backing Trailer Down Hill for 1/2 a Mile with 2007 Chevy Silverado

Question:

we have a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 with the factory controller we pull a 2006 featherlite horse trailer A week ago my wife got caught o a one way road and had to back up for over 1/2 mile down hill, The brakes have been dragging since then. Is there a connection , thank you for your time. PS the brake liners look new.

asked by: Robert H

Helpful Expert Reply:

The brakes probably became unadjusted after backing up for so long and down hill. What you will want to do is adjust the brakes properly. Start by turning the small adjustment wheel on the bottom and back of the brake assemblies with a thin flat tool. You will need to adjust the brakes to the point where they drag slightly but constantly when you turn the wheel. I have included a video, part of which shows our installer adjusting brakes.

Since the braking happened for so long and down hill, the brakes may have heated up quite a bit. Pull off the hub and look at the armature surface where the magnet makes connect with the drum. If it is discolored you will need to replace the drums.

After adjusting the brakes and replacing any parts you may need, you will want to reset the brake controller as if it was the first time using it. I am not sure how the factory controller works in your truck but it might be as easy as just adjusting the power output up or down as needed.

expert reply by: Michael H