Forum Discussion

DavinD's avatar
DavinD
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013

Brakes not working correctly after bearing re-pack

I had my fifth wheel at the dealer for some warranty repairs. While it was there, I asked them to re-pack the bearings. This service included adjusting the brakes, etc.

I went to pick it up yesterday and while doing my pull test, the trailer brakes did not kick in hard enough to stop my truck. It just kept rolling. The techs adjusted the brakes, and it got a little better, but still did not grab near as hard as they used to before I took it in.

I ended up leaving it there for them to fix, but was wandering if anyone had any idea what they may have done wrong. The same problem occurred when hooked up to their fork-lift, so we don't believe it's an issue with my brake controller.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Oct 29, 2013
    DavinD wrote:
    I watched them tighten to the point that the wheels had resistance even when the brakes weren't applied, and then they backed it off a bit.
    Same thing happened to me, and still not fixed a thousand miles later. I think something electrical is happening with mine. Dunno..

    I'll be watching this thread myself.
  • PUCampin's avatar
    PUCampin
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    donn0128 wrote:
    On trailer brakes they need to be tightened until the tire will no longer spin and then back off about 5-6 clicks. Any more and the brakes loose their effectiveness.


    ^THIS Since my first car was a VW Beetle, I know all about adjusting manual brakes.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 29, 2013
    On trailer brakes they need to be tightened until the tire will no longer spin and then back off about 5-6 clicks. Any more and the brakes loose their effectiveness.
  • DavinD's avatar
    DavinD
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    donn0128 wrote:
    Lack of proper adjustment by the "tech".


    While watching them, I had the same thought. I watched them tighten to the point that the wheels had resistance even when the brakes weren't applied, and then they backed it off a bit. I don't know enough myself to know what they were doing wrong, but the didn't instill confidence in me.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 29, 2013
    Did they just use the EZ-Lube and get grease on the brakes as well?

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