Two brake related things

NCMODELA wrote:
Hi all, two questions. I have a tekonsha primus brake controller. Had it working great for about a year. went to use it this last time around and sped up to 25 or 30 mph and pulled the bar all the way one way to see if the trailers tire skid and they did not. adjusted it up and they didn't skid. You can definitely feel the trailer brake and pull the suburban down. Ended up to max power and still no skid. Now when I go back to least power I don't feel the brakes even engage. So is there a way to test the full ouput of the controller? I jacked up all four wheels and they were dragging slightly.

Second, when I went to jack up the trailer axles I went about 1/3 way in and as it jacked up it looked like it started bending so I let it back down. Never got it off the ground. I hope its not bent.

Third (I know I said two). When I checked the brakes I checked the bearings too. They may have had 1/16 to 1/8 in play in them up and down. All were about the same. I kind of want to take a turn on the nut but don't want to overtighten them. Is this too much play.

BTW re-setting up a reese dual cam to a e350. That front end only raised a 1/4 in from stock. What is kind of suprising is that the wdh from the suburban to the e350 barely changed at all.

Getting ready for a outer banks trip.

Thanks
Bill

I agree the trailer brakes need to be adjusted. I run them in until I can't turn the wheel in order to center everything. Then I'll back them off until it just drags a bit each rotation.

The wheel bearings sound like they're WAY loose. 1/16" is over .060" of play (about the thickness of a US nickel). I'd clean and inspect them. If they're okay, repack them and install with maybe .010" end play. As mentioned above, you have to have clearance for the grease to do it's thing. But you definitely don't want them 1/16 to 1/8" sloppy.

See the sticky at the top of this forum for some great how-to advice on brake and bearing maintenance.