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TeamCyBo's avatar
TeamCyBo
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013

Braking Issues, I need help.

Hello all, i have started having brake pedal issues the last couple of times we have gone camping. First, I have a 2007 Expedition with heavy duty towing package. Our camper is a 2012 Sunnybrook 292RL. Here is what's happening. While driving through N. Ga. mountains towing our camper, I started having a problem with my brake pedal making noise and vibrating uncontrollably while braking. The situation only happens while going downhill and going into turns. My speed was about 25-35 mph. While driving and braking on a somewhat level road I had no instances at all no matter what speed or turns. This also only has occured while towing the camper so there is no problems with rotor pulsation on the Expy without the camper. When the vibration happens, I took note that there is no jerking or drag of the vehicle. I'm leaning towards some type of electrical problem. Maybe the brake controller is partly the cause. BTW, I'm an old automotive service manager and have seen most everything out there. This is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    I read all the symptoms and replies so far.

    Still, after reading so much that makes sense, I still suspect a...

    ...sticking brake caliper...
  • Spike,

    Unfortunately, I don't have access to another trailer nor a tow vehicle. I would think it's relatively safe to disconnect the controller and tow the vehicle as long as I know the route. I may try to do that tomorrow. I don't get any signs of surge or bucking from the trailer nor the vehicle. It's just the pedal jumps and vibrates along with the noise like a solenoid kicking in and out.

    Thanks
  • Only happens when towing????

    Suggest connecting Trailer to a different Tow Vehicle and try to duplicate the problem. And, connect your Tow Vehicle to a different trailer. Does problem follow the Trailer? Does the problem follow the Tow Vehicle?

    If cannot find a different trailer (with electric brakes) to test with, disconnect the Brake Controller and do another test drive. Does problem still exist? If yes, then its mechanical. If NO, then its electrical (mostly likely the brake controller).

    Hope this helps.
  • Matt,
    It's a Tekonsha Primus about a year old. It is very secure and mounted on the left side bottom of the dash near the e-brake. Probably about 20 deg. angle. The wiring seems to also be secure.

    Thanks
  • What type (manufacturer/model) of brake controller do you have and how/where is it installed. I have seen things like this when a controller was seriously mis-adjusted and another time when the screws holding it were loose so it could shake when the retarding.

    Matt
  • Electric only. I have played around with the settings a few times but found no change. I can dial it up and can really tell the drag on the trailer when applied also can use the manual slide to activate with no problem.
  • Electric only brake controller or does it tie into the fluid?
    Have you tried adjusting the brake controller gain etc?
  • I thought of that but it only happens when towing. I also tried somthing. I put it in low gear to slow down and it actually happened without even touching the brake pedal.

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