Does a Smoking Brake Assembly Mean the Brake is Faulty
Question:
I have 2018 Coachmen 5th wheel and during last trip I had a smoking break and had to have the brake assembly replaced. Is this normally a sign all brakes are going bad or could it have just one was faulty and overheated?
asked by: David S
Helpful Expert Reply:
When you have a trailer brake applied so much that it's smoking there are a few things to check and a faulty brake assembly is definitely in the running for that.
Some other things to check include the wiring to that brake assembly, the condition of your bearings and the spindle, and also the adjustment of the brake assembly.
The brake assembly should be adjusted so you have a slight drag on your trailer wheel when you freely spin it and then any damage to your bearings or spindle will cause extra friction which ultimately leads to heat build-up.
For your application I recommend checking all of these things out prior to heading back down the road with your trailer just to be safe. Attached is a link to our trailer maintenance schedule for you to reference as well as our selection of replacement trailer parts for you to filter through. Feel free to print this out and hang it up where you'll remember to check these things on the scheduled basis!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
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