Occasional wheel lock up when braking 5th wheel

Question

Hi,I had my axles aligned (and camber checked), new tires, wheels balanced and brakes adjusted at the beginning of the summer season. I have noticed the last few weekends that one of the 5vr wheels will lock up (and drag the tire with accompanying smoke and screeching noise!) when coming to a slow stop. I have my '11 F-250 controller set at 5.0 for general driving but I have tried as low as 3.0 and still have experienced the lock up of a wheel.What is the correct procedure to make sure all of the 5vr brakes are adjusted properly to prevent this. I am concerned about generating flat spots on my new tires. Thanks

old-biscuit · Answer

2007 Trailer......still using original brakes or new brakes?

1 wheel locking up:
probably adjusted to tight

Read this manual about electric brakes......LINK

Pg. 13....Adjusting brakes

Pg. 11-12...Synchronizing truck/trailer braking

scottg · Answer

Grease on the linings or something is not assembled or adjusted  right. Check adjustment and if that doesnt solve the problem then pull drum to see whats happening.

lynnmor · Answer

Since it is just one you need to pull the hub to see what is going on in there.  They should be pulled regularly anyway for inspection.

garyl53 · Answer

Thanks for the info. I will take a closer look and let you know what I find out.

boon_docker · Answer

I had the same problem when I first acquired a used trailer. It turned out to be bad wiring connections to three of the brakes. Only one brake magnet was getting power and locking up even at a fairly low controller setting.

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Occasional wheel lock up when braking 5th wheel

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