Troubleshooting Single Brake Assembly Replacement Getting Hot

Question:

I recently replaced one of the brake drum assemblies on my fifth wheel2, 6000lb axles with self adjusting brakes, and the drum I replaced seems to be running significantly hotter than the others. The hub is properly tightened and the brakes have been adjusted to so they aren’t dragging too much. Any idea what could be causing this? Do I need to break in this new assembly somehow? I’m baffled.

asked by: Gerald

Expert Reply:

Typically when it comes to breaking in a new self-adjusting assembly like the # AKEBRK-35R-SA the issue is weak braking and not too much braking or overheating. The breaking in process allows the brake shoes and magnet to seat into the drum. I would start by double checking the castle nut and make sure it is not overtightened. Hand tighten it and then back it off slightly.

The other possibility is that your new brake assembly is doing all of the braking, hence the additional heat. It is typically not recommended to manually adjust a self-adjusting assembly. If you over adjusted the new brake assembly it may be making contact before your other brakes.

expert reply by: Robin H