Emergency repair for dragging disc brakes on trailer - The Hull Truth

Blazer · 05-05-2003, 04:58 PM

I have a new boat and tandem axle trailer with disc surge brakes. Ninety minutes into a 2.5 hour drive to the launch, the brakes started dragging. We could feel the truck working harder to pull the trailer. We pulled over and felt the hubs, rotors and calipers to see if they were hot. The rotors were not too hot to touch but hot enough that you did not want to keep your finger on it for long. The hub was pretty warm, but no warmer than the rear hubs that do not have brakes. I suspected that the master cylinder on the front of the trailer was not completely releasing. We backed up hard... stopped... pulled forward hard... stopped... etc... a few times and that helped greatly, but we still felt like it was dragging a little. We completed the trip to the lauch and home at the end of the day. Certainly, the rig will go to the shop. However, if this were to happed again, what is the easiest way to simply disconect the brakes, if I have to get by without them until I can fix them or get home?

PeteH · 05-05-2003, 06:38 PM

Very temporary- spray the rotors with WD-40. More permanent but very messy- crack the line where it enters the master. If you can put your fingers on the rotors at all you've got nothing but normal heat. Dragging brakes would pull the skin off in an instant.

MakoMyDay · 05-05-2003, 07:40 PM

I agree- our brakes were dragging and I could't pull faster than 25 mph. After 2 milse I pulled over and the rotors were glowing red!

Mumblerone · 05-05-2003, 07:52 PM

Ditto:quote:Dragging brakes would pull the skin off in an instant. I'd be more inclined to think the bearing are a little tight. Back the nut off a 1/4 turn or less (maybe one slot). See what happens. Secondly are you towing with enough horsepower? Sounds like the vehicle is having a go of it.

Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros.

Snowball, the cat...

Garett · 05-05-2003, 08:39 PM

I think if I had some tools I'd disconnect the brake line at the receiver/brake cyclinder. By doing this, you remove the brakes on both sides. Cracking a line on the problem side only could leave brakes to the other rotor? - NOT SAFE!

But in a pinch, with no tools, I'd break a brake line (where it is easy/cheap to repair).

Once bitten, twice shy

Tuna pirate · 05-06-2003, 07:37 AM

Its very normal for new Disc brakes to drag a little. I am always quite surprised when I spin a new wheel with a disc brake it usually will not spin 1 RPM my experience is about 1/4 to 1/2 RPM (I assume they are Tiedown G-4's) If they locked up as stated above they will smoke like there is no tomorrow. If you can touch them they are usually ok but on a very hot day they will be very hot!! Just remember to keep greasing those axles that will keep her a little cooler. If you ever have a brake problem wait till it cools and remove the four bolts that hold the caliper. Try to remove the caliper from the disc (you may have to use force!!) after you remove. I would take the disc off the mounting bracket and Duct tape the disc to the axle or frame. Obviously I would only do this when trailing and not having any choose except being road side for a couple of days...

auguste · 05-06-2003, 08:26 AM

Use WD40 or other suggested solution (

that DOES NOT include removing the brakes

) OR BETTER STILL STOP and let brakes cool down. Then drive real slow to the first brake repair shop. . . stop often so that you do not burn out your rotors or drums.

HOWEVER, if you can tough the hubs and rotors I do not think that you are not dragging your brakes.

SIMPLE TEST: Jack your traikler and see if the wheels turn easily. If the brakes are dragging they will not turn easily.

PLAY IT SAFE

Miss-Be-Haven Too