Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes
Question:
Brakes all of a sudden started to work intermittently. Brought to shop and had brand new assembly installed and new wires running from connector to brakes. Still does the same thing. Tried other truck as well. No Difference. Can I be losing voltage at the brakes somehow that makes them barely work?
asked by: Joe L
Expert Reply:
I would check the main ground for the trailer. This is the wire that runs from the trailer connector to the trailer frame and provides the ground for the entire trailer. The ground strap may have come loose and now may not be strong enough to fully apply the trailer brakes.
This could be a magnet wiring problem. It is unlikely that the magnets are bad on new assemblies, but if the wiring is not properly connected, it could cause problems. Check to see that the magnets are properly grounded to a clean, bare metal surface free of corrosion. A bad ground would not allow the circuit to be complete and lead to the brakes not performing like they should.
The new brake assemblies may also not be adjusted properly. You will want to have the adjustment screw tightened to the point where the wheel locks up and then back it off 10 clicks. Check out the video I attached at the 4:25 mark.
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