Trailer Brake Sensitivity Too Low Using the Curt Echo

Question:

Hi, Im having brake problems on my camper. I have a Lippert single axle camper with a blue tooth Curt Echo brake controller. The Bluetooth control appears to be working. Solid green light on the device. When pressing the brake control on my phone One Control Auto, which was formally Echo Smart Control, I can hear the magnet clicking on the brake drum. The brakes are not slowing down the camper. I have increased the sensitivity to maximum braking but still not engaging, even though the clicking sound is coming from the wheel. The axle is relatively new with just over 350 miles. It was recently installed by the camper dealer. The dealer says the brakes are self-adjusting and the trailer just needs miles to adjust. I have raised the trailer to listen for the sound of brake drag to know if they are adjusted properly. There is a very slight drag sound coming from the wheel which seems to indicate they are adjusted properly. Im not sure how to trouble shoot the issue and am looking for advice. Thank you, George Ehrhardt

asked by: George E

Expert Reply:

Since you already have the sensitivity all the way up, then it sounds like you just need to go through the break in process.

I have attached a FAQ that you can check out that goes through the break in process in step 4.

expert reply by: Bryce D

George

6/11/2024

Thank you for the reply. I will try the break in procedure of burnishing the brakes. The rv dealer I work with says it is not necessary and he has never done it in 40 years of dealership. Not sure why he insists on that. I will do the procedure. Question: As the brakes are heated to nearly 400 degrees what happens to the bearings? I'm especially concerned about the grease in the bearings. Won't the grease turn be damaged and turn almost like oil to the point of being ruined? Would I need to re-pack the bearings? Thank you

Bryce D.

6/11/2024

@George George yes, I'd repack them after you burnish them.

George

6/11/2024

@BryceD thanks again for responding. Sorry to have more questions. It makes sense that bearings would need to be re-packed. I’ve watched the video on burnishing and no mention of re-packing but I wondered about that. This is a brand new axle from Lippert. Would I need to install new races and seals since the re-packing process describes removal and replacement. Seems surprising that a new axle would need re-packing and replacement of parts. Thank you, George