Here's the back story, I'll try to keep short. Recently purchased a 5th wheel with tandem axle and leaf springs. Previous owner said he lost a bearing and had 1 axle replaced with a dexter.After hooking up a brake controller on several short trips I noticed a strong burnt brake smell walking around the camper. Also I noticed the truck engine straining hard to start from a stop after braking. I used an IR thermeter and the NEW dexter axle brakes are getting very hot. Between 250 and 300 degrees. On the other axle they are about 150 degrees farenheight. I tested on a down hill from a stop. When I engage the brake controller, the brakes stop the truck from rolling as they should however when I release the brake controller the brakes are still locked up. If I put the vehicle in reverse for a foot or so, the brakes unlock and wheels roll freely again.1st question, could this residual heat from riding brakes have damaged anything? 2nd question, how do I fix this? I've read previous posts and most ppl say to just replace the drum/hub however these parts were replaced new in 2014. Where do i need to start to repair this? I have rebuilt drum brakes on vehicles and done bearings as a previous job as an auto tech and hold ase certs. I also worked another job installing break controllers and I know mine is functioning correctly and the problem is in the break. I am just new to electric trailer brakes and hoping somebody has seen this issue before and can assist before I start pulling the wheels off.Thanks in advance!!!!

kyle86 wrote:...1st question, could this residual heat from riding brakes have damaged anything? Yes, could have glazed the shoes and could have melted grease out of the bearings.kyle86 wrote:2nd question, how do I fix this?Remove wheel, drum, and inspect. Grease bearings, assemble, adjust brakes correctly.If the shoes are glazed you may be able to remove the glaze with sandpaper and brake cleaner.

Also, check to make sure the brake is not getting a constant electric feed keeping it engaged. It may be a simple test, but with the pig tail of the trailer unplugged, does the trailer roll freely? Try it in a parking lot. If it rolls freely unplugged, then plug it back in. If the brake engages, you've got a current constantly running to the brake.

Brakes could also be adjusted to tight. I would try Jacking up one wheel at a time, and see how hard it is to turn the wheel by hand. You should just be able to hear a little bit of noise of shoes contacting drum, and wheel should be easy to spin. If that is the case you will need to remove drum to check both drum and brake shoes to see if they are glazed, or shoes could have cracks from overheating.

Check the brake springs. I had broken springs that wouldn't retract the shoes on my rig.

Need to pull drums and inspect those brakes on that dexter axle.250-300*F.....grease seals have been compromised if not blownHaving to backup to release brakes.....may have self adjusting brakes that are hanging up. Could be weak/broken return spring. Could have shorted brake magnet/wires.Need to pull drums and inspect those brakes.

Need assistance - Trailer brakes hanging up and smell burnt

12 Replies

richardcoxid
Explorer II
Mar 30, 2016
I can't verify this but I have been told that Dexter has some models of brake assembly's that the brake shoes don't always retract. Call Dexter, the will send you a additional set of retract springs and instructions where to drill the shoes to add the additional retract spring.
Lynnmor
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2016
kyle86 wrote:
Lynnmor wrote:
One more thing, check that the brake assemblies are on the correct side. They are not interchangeable.

How would I know which is which?

Brake description.
kyle86
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
Lynnmor wrote:
One more thing, check that the brake assemblies are on the correct side. They are not interchangeable.

How would I know which is which?
Lynnmor
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2016
One more thing, check that the brake assemblies are on the correct side. They are not interchangeable.
kyle86
Explorer
Mar 28, 2016
Will do. Thanks a bunch for the replies. I will report back later this week after I dig in.
Lynnmor
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2016
Pull them apart and inspect. Then if you still need help, report back.
rexlion
Explorer
Mar 28, 2016
I wonder if the magnets could be sticking?
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Mar 28, 2016
Need to pull drums and inspect those brakes on that dexter axle.

250-300*F.....grease seals have been compromised if not blown
Having to backup to release brakes.....may have self adjusting brakes that are hanging up. Could be weak/broken return spring.
Could have shorted brake magnet/wires.

Need to pull drums and inspect those brakes.
mabynack
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2016
Check the brake springs. I had broken springs that wouldn't retract the shoes on my rig.
Dr_Quick
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2016
Brakes could also be adjusted to tight. I would try Jacking up one wheel at a time, and see how hard it is to turn the wheel by hand. You should just be able to hear a little bit of noise of shoes contacting drum, and wheel should be easy to spin. If that is the case you will need to remove drum to check both drum and brake shoes to see if they are glazed, or shoes could have cracks from overheating.