My Electric Drum Brakes Are Running Hot, How Can I Address This Problem

Question:

The brakes on the street side are hot to touch after some use but the opposite side are only warm 190/200 degrees street side-87/120opposite.I have replaced wiring/checked grounds/magnets/brake operation ok in shop/brake lining and drums ok. The street side will lock up but not the opposite side. What are we missing ? The trailer is an R+R enclosed aluminum car trailer. Tx.

asked by: Shaun H

Expert Reply:

It seems that you have done a thorough check of the trailer braking system on your trailer. I would double check your trailer's brake adjustment. You should see a rubber plug at the bottom of the backing plate of your drum brakes. Behind this plug you should see a set of gears inside the brake assembly. This is where you adjust the brakes. You can use a brake adjustment tool, part # W80630, or a screw driver for the adjustment.

With your trailer jacked up on the properly rated jack stands, rotate the wheel of the brake adjustor until it becomes difficult to turn the hum and drum. This will press the brake shoes against the drum, Next you will want to rotate the adjustor in the opposite direction, about 10 clicks or until you can spin the drum with a slight drag from the brake shoes.

If you have not already broken in your brake drums, now is the time to do so. During this time you will only be using the manual override of your trailer brakes to slow down the truck and trailer. Do not use your tow vehicle's brakes during this process. It may take up to 30 stops for the brake shoes and magnets to seat correctly.

I have included a product description link and a weblink to adjusting trailer brakes below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith