Troubleshooting Weak Brakes that Are Properly Adjusted with Brake Controller and Breakaway System
Question:
I have a 33 ft 5th wheel . I am a mechanic on hd equipment. I have replace the brake shoes and checked the wireing. If I put a 1 7/8 wrench to the mag with power on it will hold it easely.and I still dont have great brakes. Is it posible to have them adjusted too tight? As they are now the wheels show a slight drag. all the mechanical linkage appears to be in good shape. Any help would be appreseated. Even with the brakeaway switch on the are poor.
asked by: Grant W
Expert Reply:
I wonder if your brake assemblies aren't rated for the weight of your trailer and you are just over the capacity of them which is why your brakes aren't seeming to activate.
It sounds like you have them adjusted properly since you said they have a light drag on them. If they were too tight the brakes would be activating stronger if anything.
Another possibility is that your brake controller isn't set at a high enough gain setting. Although this seems unlikely since your breakaway system has the same problem. Unless the battery of your breakaway system needs to be charged.
Check the grounds of the brake assemblies too, a weak ground will cause weak braking. Also check the main ground from the trailer's connector that runs to the frame of the trailer. Make sure it's connected to a clean metal surface.
If everything checks out that I've mentioned the problem must be a mechanical problem in your brake assemblies. At that point I would recommend you replace them then.
