Need assistance - Trailer brakes hanging up and smell burnt
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!!!!
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!!!!
