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GATJcampers's avatar
GATJcampers
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014

trailer brake squeak

I have a 2007 Tahoe toy hauler 26ft. I noticed anytime the trailer would rock I would hear this incredibly annoying squeak sound. Just drove me crazy. I finally found what it is. It's the trailer brakes. More specifically where the shoe rests against the backing plate. So each time I or anyone gets in or out of the trailer in rocks slightly causing the shoe to rub on the backing plate and squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeakssss!!! I pulled the hubs off and put a little grease where the contact is and the squeak stops. My question is does anyone know of a better or more permanent solution? My fix only lasts a short while and since I have 4 hubs to do each time it's time consuming and tedious. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If it matters the brakes work fine when in actual use.

13 Replies

  • Fulltimer50's avatar
    Fulltimer50
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2014
    Lube on the shoe edge is good for when the brake shoes move. They are not moving when not activated and should not be in contact with anything that moves. The only thing that might be in contact with the drum when not activated could be the magnets.
  • 64thunderbolt's avatar
    64thunderbolt
    Explorer II
    Feb 09, 2014
    it is common on auto brakes. I restored classics for over 20 yrs. I always used some grease made for the brakes. Put a small film along the edge of the shoes. Not very much just a film. You could have a backing plate that has been bent. Have you had any tire failures?
  • ernie1's avatar
    ernie1
    Explorer II
    Feb 09, 2014
    Do you have a wiring issue such that, somehow, when the brake away switch is hooked up that it is fed a small amount of current or that it is somehow being used as a ground source and, therefore, applying a small amount of said current to the brake system( you know what I mean).
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 08, 2014
    Get a set of X-Chocks and use them both sides...snug them up tight. Stops the back/forth motion of tires.

    Besides you should be using chocks every time you set up.
    First on/last off.
  • GATJcampers's avatar
    GATJcampers
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2014
    trying to answer all the posts at once so please forgive if i forget something. I have tried to chock the wheels and that works if i can stop any motion whatsoever. The squeak is not the brakes magnetizing because the brakes are not being used. I realize that all the parts are bolted and belong in a certain spot however when the brakes are activated they spread outward so that ability to move is right where the shiny spot is. When i wasn't positive it was the brakes i pulled the breakaway switch for the brakes and no noise. no matter how much i jump around in the trailer. when i put the clip back in the breakaway switch and the brakes are off, instantly the squeak is back. I appreciate all the posts and suggestions.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator III
    Feb 03, 2014
    Well it's common for an automotive drum brake to do what you are referring to. But you usually only hear it when you step on and release the brake pedal at really low speeds.
    But the automotive brake shoe has three pads that rub on the backing plate, where trailer shoes do not seem to have these pads.

    I would pull a wheel and pull the shoes. Clean the backing plate off really well with a garden hose and a small scrub brush. Now inspect the backing plate for wear or grooves from the shoes. Sand any grooves smooth and put it all back together.

    If you want to lube it I would look for some brake caliper lube.
    Link

    Use it sparingly though so it doesn't wind up on the shoes.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 03, 2014
    The backing plate is bolted to axle
    The shoes are held tight against backing plate with clips/springs
    The drums are held tight to axle via wheel bearing retaining nut
    The assembly is supported by the rims/tires

    How can brake shoes move up/down against backing plate ???

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