one wheel not turning - The Hull Truth

jeffrey.bean · 11-15-2009, 05:51 PM

Hello all,

I just purchased a 23' boat, it came with a tandem axle load rite trailer with surge brakes.
I keep the trailer in my yard, the boat is at a marina.

Today I jacket it up to keep the tires off the ground, 3 wheels turned freely, one was locked in place, any idea what is going on.

Surge brakes are new to me so please speak in lamens terms

Thanks....

capt_matt · 11-15-2009, 08:01 PM

Sounds like the brake caliper on the locked wheel has seized in the compressed state (brakes on). You need to pull off that wheel and then remove the caliper and pads. It could be that the caliper is shot and needs to be replaced. It could also be possible that surface corrosion has bound up the caliper and it can be freed up and cleaned. If the caliper is seized, I would just replace it.

You should check the other wheels as well. When was the last time the bearings were serviced, brake pads replaced? Needs to be done periodically, at least every three years if the trailer is used very little and more often if the trailer sees a lot of miles or dunks in salt water.

signmansez · 11-15-2009, 08:06 PM

bean, are they disc brakes or drum? either type, it is evident that the wheel that is not turning has an issue with the brake locking. It is probably corroded in the breaking position.

If it is a Tie Down model do a search here and read for hours.

Surge breaks work just like your break pedal in the truck. You push the pedal and that activates a plunger in your master cylinder that hydraulically forces fluid to each wheel and forces the break cylinder to close up.

The surge break actuator in the tongue of your trailer has a plunger that is activated when enough pressure is applied during breaking from your truck. This causes the actuator to compress and activate the plunger in the trailer to send fluid to each wheel break cylinder that works your trailer breaks.

The tight wheel is corroded in the breaking position. This is pretty common and somewhat easy to fix. If you are mechanically inclined and have a decent set of tools it should be no problem. If not take it to the trailer repair place and have them fix it.

Do not drive it long distances like this. The friction will cause very extreme heat to that wheel and will cause the grease to boil out of the bearing causing it to fail. The heat can also cause your tire to pop!

Get it taken care of quickly. Feel that wheel hub on your next trip. After a half mile or so it will be very hot to the touch while the others will feel warm.

jeffrey.bean · 11-16-2009, 12:27 PM

Thank you both for the reply's.

They are disc brakes, on one axle both brakes ( not the siezed one) where replaces in Sept. when I bought the boat and trailer.

I backed the trailer into the back yard in late Sept., everything seemed fine then.

I'll put the tire off and see if I can tell, whats going on.

Thanks again....

eddy2419 · 11-16-2009, 02:24 PM

Try hooking it up and going forward and reverse a little. May break it loose. Also spray some WD40 on it to loosen it up. It will not hurt the pads and will flash off quickly.

signmansez · 11-16-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddy2419

Try hooking it up and going forward and reverse a little. May break it loose. Also spray some WD40 on it to loosen it up. It will not hurt the pads and will flash off quickly.

By backing it up you may have depressed the actuator enough to lock the one break. Do as mentioned and hopefully it will free up.

DogTired · 11-17-2009, 05:22 AM

Also, in the future when you park a trailer make sure to pull a few inches forward before disconnecting the hitch. That makes sure the surge acutator is pulled all the way out and opens the pressure relief port inside the master cylinder that should clear any line pressures.

Although, the acutators have internal springs that should force the tounge out, corrosion and generally weak springs can cause this not to happen.

Some acutators have grease ports that need a shot about once a year. I also make a point to spray everthing I can get to on mine with a corrosion preventer like Corrosion X.

jeffrey.bean · 11-17-2009, 09:51 AM

Thanks all, I pulled the trailer forward and the brake released

signmansez · 11-17-2009, 10:29 AM

Lucky for you!
As mentioned, spray the each brake assembly and disc with some type of corrosion protection, especially if the trailer is going to sit.