Surge brakes, locking on

Bill from Scotland · Sep 11, 2011

Having problems with trailer brakes, last time I used the trailer it seemed to work fine but wheels are locking up now.
Towed trailer along the road today and braked hard at least one wheel if not two stayed locked, wheels unlock when reveresed but lock again when pulled forward. Got it back home jacked uop the trailer and freed off the wheel adjuster a little but still not working properly. Do you think its an adjustment issue or is some other component not operating correctly?
How much should the wheel adjusters be backed off onece they grip the drums?
Any help or advice appreciated as I have a tractor show in a couple of weeks time.

Michael Soldan · Sep 11, 2011

When did you last use the trailer? The reason I ask is that rust build up on the surface of the drums could affect the braking. I think you are on the right path..too much adjustment...slack them off a bit. However keep in mind an empty trailer slides wheels with electric brake or surge brake. I don't think there is much wrong with your brakes. Check adjusters for being free,clean, and lube moving parts with anti sieze. When you load the trailer you shouldn't get wheel lock up,if you do slack off the adjusters

Dutchman · Sep 11, 2011

I agree with what is said on the adjustments ... I would also check the front where the tongue and brake are .. make sure no rust or anything .. keeps it from moving freely ..

mark

Drill · Sep 11, 2011

Most likely your problem is the controller on your hitch. Probably getting full of grit and rust and not releasing properly. Clean it out real good and make sure it slides back and forth easily. Maybe some dry lub like graphite, I wouldn't use any oil because it will collect more dust.

Dalex · Sep 11, 2011

The picture shows a hydraulic surge brake , which does not require a controller. When the brakes lock , loosen the line coming from the Master cyl. on the brake. If you still have pressure,I'd pull the linkage apart that goes to the lunette / ring on the hitch , see if it's jamming and not allowing the pressure to release. If there is no pressure , you have a mechanical problem in the wheel brakes.

Scott 730 · Sep 11, 2011

Wheel cylinders are sticking.

Janicholson · Sep 11, 2011

Drum brakes lock up for three reasons.
1 they still have pressure on them. (fix the Master cylinder or its mount)
2 they are glazed and or oily and are sticking to the drums (deglaze and sand drum, fix bearing seal)
3 The return springs are toast and there is not enough return pull to overcome their self servo action! (New return springs) Jim

Dick W. · Sep 11, 2011

First, I hope you aren't hauling that tractor with that hitch in the first picture. On the brakes, check the 3 or more spots on each shoe where the shoe rests on the backing plate. Make sure the spots are lubed and no deep grooves in the backing plate. Does the trailer have brakes on all the wheels?

Surge brakes, locking on

Bill from Scotland

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Michael Soldan

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Dutchman

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Drill

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Dalex

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Scott 730

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Janicholson

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Dick W.

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