Hydraulic 10 Inch Free Backing Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Wet

Question:

I purchased these brakes two years ago and they work completely fine when they’re dry, but when they’re wet after launching/retrieving the boat they lock up every time the brakes are applied. I can’t figure out why. It’s a problem because it’s loud and it jerks the trailer around and attracts a lot of unwanted attention. If you have any ideas as to what might be causing this, I would appreciate it because if it’s not an adjustment issue I’m afraid I’m going to have to replace them. The trailer is a tandem EZ loader with a 21’ Sea Ray boat, 3200 lbs loaded. The wet brake condition happens with both lodes and unloaded conditions.

asked by: Mark M

Expert Reply:

What it sounds like is happening with the Dexter Hydraulic Brake Kit - Free Backing - Galphorite - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,750 lbs # T4423500-400 locking up when wet is the shoe has likely absorbed moisture and expanded, causing the lock up.

That's why when they dry they still work as intended. That's the best guess anyway as I'm not quite sure what else it could be, and unfortunately there isn't a fix for this, so you can either replace the whole brake kit with # T4423500-400 or try just replacing the shoes with part # T4744800, though it isn't a 100 percent guarantee that is the only issue and you may have to wind up replacing the brakes anyway.

expert reply by: Kyle S