Trailer Hubs, should I worry?

[23 grady]

I have a 7,500 lb rated tandem axle trailer with Kodiak disk brakes. When checking the wheels for how easily they turned I found that all four had enough brake resistance that when spun they would turn less than one rotation on their own before stopping. Do the brakes need adjusting? Also I noticed that this six lug wheel did not use cotter pins. What is securing the axle nut and how do I get it off? Thanks

[glacierbaze]

There is not any adjustment on disc brakes. just make sure the disc and the calipers are aligned and there's not too much heat buildup.

[Key Largo CC]

Kodiac has told me that the wheel should turn at least 1 and1\2 rotations bofore stopping. When towing the disks will open the calipers so they do not drag. Check your master cylinder for fluid return when you accuate the brakes. The master cylinder has to have free flow for disk brakes, in drum brake systems the master has a diaphram that creates back pressure so that the brakes react quicker on disk you cannot have any back pressure that will cause burnup. If that all checks out then look at your pads if they are wearing unevenly then your problem could be one of two things axle mounting flange is crooked or the caliper mounting braket is bent or a combination of both, or the piston inside the caliper is cocked in it's bore which could cause your dragging. Check for trash in your lines restricting flow. The axle nut is safed by what is called a tang washer it has tabs you fold down in the nut to keep it from turning.

[boatowner1122]

Could it just be that the axle nuts are a little tight? Or maybe need some more grease?

[boatowner1122]

Could it just be that the axle nuts are a little tight? Or maybe need some more grease?

[bbogue]

I'd be very surprised if the nuts are too tight, but if you haven't used the trailer for a while, and assuming your rotors are not stainless steel, it could be just some rust which will wear off the first few times you stop. The best test I've found is a short run at normal speed. Stop and feel the hubs. If you can't hold your hand to them, let them cool and pull it in slowly for repairs. Take care not to touch the rotors...they will be very hot.

Bill

[Mentalic]

Did you check them just after towing? If not the rust film on the rotors will give you a false test....