Troubleshooting One Set of Brakes Running Hot on Tandem Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

the two rear hubs tandem trailer w/brakes are ALWAYS warm/hot to the touch front hubs are cool to the touch. This is true with the controller connected or not. I have rechecked bearings, adjusted linings and so forth. I think the magnets are dragging. Are there heavier stand-off springs if thats the correct terminology for the magnets? I have previously installed new magnets and springs from your warehouse. Im getting ready for a long-haul and need to correct the hear issue. Many tks for any info,

asked by: Robert S

0

Expert Reply:

I recommend using a circuit tester like part # PTW2991 to check and see if the wiring to your trailer brakes has constant power or not as this could be a result of 12V power jumping over to the brake circuit for that rear axle.

If those look okay then you need to double check the adjustment of your trailer brakes. You want them to slightly drag when you freely spin the wheel. If the wheel is locked or drags a lot when you spin the wheel then that means your brakes are still too aggressive.

If none of that works then I recommend replacing your brake assemblies completely since replacing the magnets hasn't done anything on your end. If you have 7" brakes use part # AKEBRK-2, for 10" brakes use part # AKEBRK-35, and for 12" brakes use part # AKEBRK-6.

As far as replacement springs go for the brake pads we do have those, like the kit # AKBRKR-SP for 10" and 12" manual adjust brakes, but the springs are brake-specific so they would be direct replacements and no more powerful than your current ones.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

So long as a hub uses the correct bearings that match the dimensions of the spindle that is on the axle there is no worry about using two different brands of products, such as a Dexter hub on a Lippert axle. That in itself is not a concern. When a…

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Answer 2

The difference in heat would lead one to believe that there is more friction on the rear #8-288-3UC1 hubs that could be caused by some worn out bearings. Periodically inspecting these parts is never a bad idea and will help reduce the chances of a…

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Answer 3

You will have continuity between both wire of the brake assembly. You can test the resistance with the Ohmmeter function on your Multimeter #PT89ZR. I have linked an article on testing brake magnets below for you to determine exactly what your ohm…

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Answer 4

In general shackle bolts turning from use over time does not considerably wear out components. As long as the bolts are greased normally the movement from standard use would not cause them to wear out. The tension of the bolt and nut is loose enough…

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Answer 5

Have you tried tapping the bolt in with a hammer? Hopefully not much force would be needed. Ideally you get the splines seated all the way but then you don't have to really torque the nuts down as the bolt needs to allow the suspension to move.…

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Answer 6

The voltage you receive from your brake controller when you hit the brake pedal is adjustable so you may simply need to change the gain. You also want to consider if you have a proportional brake controller that the internal sensor won't be…

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Answer 7

There is not a specific product we carry which tests electric brakes, but if you are looking for something that will test trailer brake magnets you would want to use Multimeter #ALL648349; I have added a help article on testing brake magnets for you…

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Answer 8

There are many things that can affect the voltage on the brake output wire from your brake controller to your trailer brakes such as the power setting on your brake controller, how you are testing the wire and if you are testing it with the brakes or…

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Answer 9

You are correct, the PT89ZR is only designed to measure up to 10A which will not allow you to measure for 4 or 6 brake magnets on a trailer. In this case I would recommend using a multimeter with a higher amperage rating or testing the magnets…

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Answer 10

It should be getting close to 12 volts if the power output is set to the maximum on the brake controller. Some brake controllers will not work properly if they are titled or turned to the side or if it has a leveler knob that is not level. Check…

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Answer 11

I believe you almost solved the problem when you swapped the wiring, but in reality you needed to use 10 gauge wire like part #10-1-1 (sold by the foot). You are experiencing a voltage drop due to the long distance of wire that's not thick…

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Answer 12

First you would want to jack up the trailer frame and then use jack stands to support it so that you can lower the jack and the wheels will be off of the ground. Next you will want to slide the jack under the first axle so that you can raise it up to…

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