Trystan Casey
Electric trailer brakes can lock up due to a variety of reasons. One common cause is a faulty breakaway switch, which can be activated by debris or a snag, leading to inadvertent brake activation. To release the brakes, you can try disconnecting the brake controller or backing up slightly to disengage them. Another issue could be with the brake drum, which may stick due to age and require gentle tapping with a metal hammer for release. Excessive wear or uneven scoring on the brake drum may also cause locking, necessitating its replacement. In some cases, the problem may lie with the brake magnet or assembly, requiring a thorough inspection and possible replacement of the entire assembly. Proper maintenance and adjustment of trailer brakes are crucial, with regular adjustments recommended every 3,000 miles or every three months, depending on usage.
Characteristics and Values Table for Electric Trailer Brakes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Releasing brakes after trailer break away pin pulls out | Resetting the breakaway switch by pushing the pin back in should release the brakes |
| Cutting off power to trailer brakes | Unplugging the brake controller, disconnecting the plug at the truck and backing up to release |
| Adjusting trailer brake gain | Set based on trailer and load size; higher for larger trailers, lower for smaller trailers to avoid brake lockup |
| Adjusting braking sensitivity | If the vehicle stops too slowly, increase the sensitivity setting; if it stops too abruptly, lower the sensitivity |
| Testing trailer brakes | Drive forward at about 25 mph and press the brake pedal |
| Adjusting trailer brakes | Use a trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber |
| Replacing electric trailer brakes | Remove old parts, clean and install new assembly, ensuring proper actuation |
| Dealing with stuck brake drums | Gently tap the perimeter with a metal hammer, inspect for wear and replace if necessary |
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What You'll Learn
Unplug the brake controller
Unplugging the brake controller is the easiest way to cut off power to your trailer brakes and free them up. The brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes, allowing the driver to activate and monitor trailer brake activity from the cab of the vehicle. It is mounted inside the cab of the vehicle and has an interface to view braking information and buttons to control the output and manual activation.
To unplug the brake controller, locate it inside the cab of your vehicle. It is usually mounted on the dashboard or console area. Once you have located the brake controller, simply unplug it from its power source. This will cut off the power to the trailer brakes, and they will no longer receive any power or signals from the controller.
It is important to note that unplugging the brake controller will disable the trailer brakes, so this method should only be used as a temporary solution when the trailer brakes need to be freed up. With the controller disconnected, the trailer brakes will not engage even when the vehicle's brakes are applied. This can be dangerous, especially when towing heavy loads or travelling at high speeds.
After unplugging the brake controller, you may need to back up slightly to release the trailer brakes. This is because some trailer brake systems require a small amount of backward movement to disengage the brakes. Once the trailer brakes are freed up, you can then address any underlying issues or make necessary adjustments to the trailer brakes or controller.
Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any aspects of your trailer's brake system or controller.
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Adjust the trailer brake gain
Adjusting the trailer brake gain is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your electric trailer brakes. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Understanding Trailer Brake Gain
Trailer brake gain refers to the amount of power a brake controller applies to the trailer brakes. In other words, it determines how much braking force is exerted on the trailer when you press the brake pedal in the towing vehicle. The gain setting is typically adjusted based on the trailer's load and size. For larger trailers or heavier loads, a higher gain setting is required, while smaller trailers or lighter loads necessitate a lower gain setting to prevent brake lockup.
Initial Setup and Testing
Before adjusting the trailer brake gain, it is essential to ensure that your trailer is properly set up and connected to your vehicle. Refer to your trailer's user manual or seek professional assistance if needed. Once your trailer is coupled to your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Park your vehicle on a level surface and ensure you are in a safe, open area with ample stopping distance and no traffic.
- Warm up the trailer brakes by applying them several times. This step is crucial for optimal performance and accuracy in the subsequent steps.
- Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the initial gain level and sensitivity settings. Start with these values as a baseline.
- Accelerate your vehicle to a speed of around 15-25 mph. This speed range is generally recommended for testing the trailer brakes.
- Squeeze the brake controller or apply the brakes, observing how effectively the trailer slows down.
Adjusting the Trailer Brake Gain
Based on your observations during the testing phase, you can now adjust the trailer brake gain accordingly:
- If the vehicle stops too slowly or not at all, increase the trailer brake gain.
- If the trailer brakes lock up, decrease the gain.
- Aim for a smooth and controlled deceleration without any abrupt stops or jarring motions.
- Repeat the testing and adjustment process until you find the optimal gain setting for your trailer and load.
Additional Considerations
- It is important to strike a balance between trailer braking and vehicle braking. The trailer brakes should work in tandem with the towing vehicle's brakes, with neither doing all the stopping power.
- Avoid setting the gain too high, as this can lead to wheel lockup and reduced brake life.
- Test on different surfaces and conditions to fine-tune the gain setting to your comfort level.
- Regularly adjust your trailer brakes, ideally every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Consult a professional trailer technician if you have any doubts or concerns about the adjustment process.
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Check the brake drum
Electric drum brakes are commonly fitted to most caravans and camper trailers due to their affordability and simple design. They require regular maintenance and adjustment to ensure they work correctly.
Checking the Brake Drum
First, you will need to raise the trailer until the trailer wheel can be spun freely. Use a jack or axle stand to secure the trailer, ensuring it is on a flat, level surface. If the trailer has a handbrake, disengage it. Next, remove the adjuster dust cap to access the star wheel. Some brakes do not have dust caps. You can use a screwdriver to remove the dust cap if it is too difficult to do by hand. Now, using a brake adjustment tool, rotate the star wheel inside the hole from the outside of the brake drum towards the centre of the axle. Repeat this until you feel the brake shoes start to bind. The wheel should now be firm and not move easily.
Once this is done, re-install the dust protector to keep the brake drum free of contaminants. You will need to repeat this process for the remaining drum brakes. Signs that your electric drum brakes require adjustment include weak or no brakes, dragging and noisy brakes. However, these issues could also be caused by electrical problems or worn parts.
The adjuster is located below the magnet and should be turnable but under constant pressure from the adjuster spring. A worn-out adjuster is unusual, but they can freeze or seize up. You may hear them rolling around inside the hub/drum assembly, which indicates the adjuster was maxed out or the spring is broken. A maxed-out adjuster could mean your brakes need new shoes and linings.
You can also use a temperature gun to check that the temperature is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can hover your hand around the brake area to check the temperature, but do not touch the brake drum. If the brake drum is cold to the touch, the brakes may not be adjusted correctly, or there may be a wiring issue.
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Use a metal hammer
Servicing electric trailer brakes can be a daunting task, given that it involves electrical actuation tests, precise wire cutting, and physical mechanics. It is always recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect or install your electronic trailer brakes. However, if you are attempting to free up electric trailer brakes, here is a detailed, step-by-step guide focused on using a metal hammer:
First, elevate the trailer and place the axle or frame on a sturdy jack stand. With the trailer raised, remove the wheel with an impact wrench. If you don't have access to an impact tool, loosen the lug nuts with a hand tool before raising the trailer. Use penetrating oil or apply heat to loosen stubborn hardware. Now, use a chisel and a metal hammer or large slip-jaw pliers to push the metal grease cap off of the hub. The grease cap usually ends up deformed when hubs are serviced, so it should be replaced.
Next, remove the retaining nut from the axle spindle, followed by the brake drum from the spindle. The outer wheel bearing should slip out easily. If the drum sticks or won't budge, gently tap the perimeter with a metal hammer until it frees itself. Brake drums tend to become temperamental with age and use, so this step may require patience and precision.
Once the drum is removed, clean all the old grease from the brake drum and spindle. Check your bearing races for wear at this stage. If the bearing races are scarred, they will need to be replaced. You can then proceed to rebuild the brake assembly with new components or opt for a complete replacement of the backing plate assembly.
Finally, before reinstalling the components, ensure that everything is cleaned and packed with new grease. Reinstall the outer wheel bearing, then the new bearing seal by lightly tapping it with a hammer until it is completely seated.
By following these steps and using a metal hammer strategically, you can effectively free up electric trailer brakes and complete the servicing process.
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Replace the brake drums
Electric trailer brakes work by pushing brake shoes against a spinning drum attached to the wheel, creating friction to slow down the trailer. The brake drums tend to become temperamental with age and use.
- Remove the wheel/tire from the axle to access the brake drum and assembly.
- Remove the dust cap from the axle hub to access the retaining nut. Use channel locks, a large screwdriver, and finesse to avoid tearing the dust cap.
- Remove the cotter pin or nut retainer to take out the castle nut from the spindle. If there is a retaining clip, bend it to allow the nut to spin freely.
- Remove the retaining nut from the axle spindle, and then the brake drum from the spindle. The outer wheel bearing should slip out; do not reuse it. If the drum sticks, gently tap its perimeter with a metal hammer until it frees.
- Inspect the brake drum for excessive wear and uneven scoring. Check for signs of wear, such as deep grooves or scoring on the drum surface.
- Remove the inner wheel bearing and wheel bearing seal. The bearing should slide out once the seal is removed.
- With the drum and bearings removed, clean all old grease from the brake drum and spindle.
- Reinstall the new brake drum and other outer drum components in reverse order: install the drum, outer wheel bearing, outer bearing washer, retaining nut (castle nut), cotter pin/retainer, and dust cap.
- Set the proper tension on the spindle retaining nut. Preload the nut until all end play is removed from the wheel assembly. Once there is no end play, tighten the nut by a quarter turn and install the retainer/cotter pin.
- Grease the axle spindle and reinstall the wheel and tire, torquing the lug nuts to factory specifications.
- Adjust the brakes according to the manufacturer's instructions. For drum brakes, adjust the tension so the brake shoes are close to the drum but not dragging.
- Test the new brakes to ensure they are working correctly. Lower the trailer, reattach the wheels, and tighten the lug nuts. Take the trailer for a slow test drive, applying the brakes to check for proper function.
Note: If you are unsure about any step of the process or feel it is too technical, consider consulting a professional mechanic.
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Frequently asked questions
Push the pin back into the breakaway switch to cut off power to the brakes. If the pin is missing, inspect the wiring and repair any damaged wires.
If your trailer has a battery on it with a breakaway system, that is likely where the power is coming from.
Chock the trailer wheels and jack up one side of the trailer. Remove the cover to access the brake chamber and use a trailer brake spoon or flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber.
Trailer brakes should be adjusted every 3,000 miles, or about once every 3 months, depending on how often you tow your trailer.
If the drum sticks or won't budge, it may be due to age and use. Inspect the brake drum for excessive wear and uneven scoring, and replace the drum if it is in poor physical condition. If the magnet is badly worn, it will need to be replaced. After replacing the brakes, test for proper actuation and adjust the brake shoes if necessary.
