Brakes not working - Update

tomkaren13 wrote:
When TT is hooked up and brakes applied a buzzing sound is heard but no brakes are working. We pulled the break-a-way switch and no brakes. Got an estimate for diagnostics of $50 applied to work if done.

Would like some more input from here as to what we may expect.

Buzzing sound when brakes are applied would indicate you are getting at least SOME connection to the brake magnets.

No brakes when the breakaway pin is pulled plus buzzing sound when brake controller is working would indicate to me the problem is either out of adjustment brake shoes OR critical moving parts on the brake back plate assy are rusted effectively preventing the magnet from gripping the drum or the levers attached to the magnet are rusted and no moving the brake shoes.

Adjustment is the cheapest fix, anything like rusted/stuck parts it is more economical to replace the entire brake back plate. This way you get all new brake shoes, magnet and all moving parts..

A back plate looks like this photo..



A new back plate will cost about $35 (for 3,500 lb axles) if you bought them yourself not including shipping, having a "shop" replace them they will add a little on for some profit plus labor. I would expect a shop to charge $45-$50 per plate.. So I would expect for all four back plates a shop will charge about $200 plus their labor..

LINK TO 3500LB BACKPLATE

You typically want to replace in pairs and there is a LEFT AND RIGHT hand back plate so they must be installed on the correct side.

Hopefully they can reuse the drums, that would save some money on repairs..

The trailer is a dozen years old, so just pull the drums and have a look. It is way overdue for a brake inspection. You may find grease, rust, worn shoes, broken hardware or bad wiring. The bearings need to be inspected and repacked with grease and properly adjusted. All the advice people can give you from afar will not give you a trailer that is safe.

Lynnmor wrote:
The trailer is a dozen years old, so just pull the drums and have a look. It is way overdue for a brake inspection. You may find grease, rust, worn shoes, broken hardware or bad wiring. The bearings need to be inspected and repacked with grease and properly adjusted. All the advice people can give you from afar will not give you a trailer that is safe.

AMEN to that!

I wouldn't be comfortable either towing that trailer or selling it with the brakes not operational. I'd suggest you take it to someone to be serviced and realize that systems like this are always in need of maintenance or repair.

temccarthy1 wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
The trailer is a dozen years old, so just pull the drums and have a look. It is way overdue for a brake inspection. You may find grease, rust, worn shoes, broken hardware or bad wiring. The bearings need to be inspected and repacked with grease and properly adjusted. All the advice people can give you from afar will not give you a trailer that is safe.

AMEN to that!

Gee whizz folks.. Get a grip..

The OP POSTED THIS..

"When TT is hooked up and brakes applied a buzzing sound is heard but no brakes are working. We pulled the break-a-way switch and no brakes. Got an estimate for diagnostics of $50 applied to work if done.

Would like some more input from here as to what we may expect."


SOOOO I don't think the OP was planning to use or sell the trailer "as is"..

I suspect they are FULLY INTENTIONALLY WANTING TO GET THE BRAKES WORKING. They are just asking what they could possible expect to pay and/or what parts may be needed.

Gdetrailer wrote:

temccarthy1 wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
The trailer is a dozen years old, so just pull the drums and have a look. It is way overdue for a brake inspection. You may find grease, rust, worn shoes, broken hardware or bad wiring. The bearings need to be inspected and repacked with grease and properly adjusted. All the advice people can give you from afar will not give you a trailer that is safe.

AMEN to that!

Gee whizz folks.. Get a grip..

The OP POSTED THIS..

"When TT is hooked up and brakes applied a buzzing sound is heard but no brakes are working. We pulled the break-a-way switch and no brakes. Got an estimate for diagnostics of $50 applied to work if done.

Would like some more input from here as to what we may expect."


SOOOO I don't think the OP was planning to use or sell the trailer "as is"..

I suspect they are FULLY INTENTIONALLY WANTING TO GET THE BRAKES WORKING. They are just asking what they could possible expect to pay and/or what parts may be needed.

Possibly but they also stated this:

Any idea of what the cost would be to have them fixed. Do not want to spend alot on this well used TT.

To me that indicates the repair cost may exceed their comfortability level. Besides, if they the brakes absolutely need service, why ask, if the work is going to be done regardless.

westend wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

temccarthy1 wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
The trailer is a dozen years old, so just pull the drums and have a look. It is way overdue for a brake inspection. You may find grease, rust, worn shoes, broken hardware or bad wiring. The bearings need to be inspected and repacked with grease and properly adjusted. All the advice people can give you from afar will not give you a trailer that is safe.

AMEN to that!

Gee whizz folks.. Get a grip..

The OP POSTED THIS..

"When TT is hooked up and brakes applied a buzzing sound is heard but no brakes are working. We pulled the break-a-way switch and no brakes. Got an estimate for diagnostics of $50 applied to work if done.

Would like some more input from here as to what we may expect."


SOOOO I don't think the OP was planning to use or sell the trailer "as is"..

I suspect they are FULLY INTENTIONALLY WANTING TO GET THE BRAKES WORKING. They are just asking what they could possible expect to pay and/or what parts may be needed.

Possibly but they also stated this:

Any idea of what the cost would be to have them fixed. Do not want to spend alot on this well used TT.

To me that indicates the repair cost may exceed their comfortability level. Besides, if they the brakes absolutely need service, why ask, if the work is going to be done regardless.

OP MAY be deciding whether it is worth putting money into THIS trailer OR sell it and get ANOTHER TRAILER..

If they are thinking of selling the trailer then it IS up to the BUYER to ensure the trailer is road worthy before towing (That IS what I have encountered over the years..

I HAVE had to FIX LIGHTS AND BRAKES before towing after the purchase of a used trailer.

Why in the world should WE (IE the forum) jump to final death conclusions..

We have no way of knowing the exact reason as to why the OP asked the question so there is no reason to jump to conclusions like they are not going to repair the brakes and use as is..

Obviously the brake issue has them worried otherwise they would not have ever started this thread.

OP may have a BUDGET or is wanting to BUDGET for the expense of repairs, who knows.. But no sense in acting like or insisting they are not going to get repaired before using.. Just because they asked a simple question of possible cost or what may be involved in the repair, doesn't mean they are not planning to get it fixed..

Sort of like taking a vehicle to a repair shop.. YOU WANT AN ESTIMATE so you can figure out if it worth the cost..

tomkaren13 wrote:
When TT is hooked up and brakes applied a buzzing sound is heard but no brakes are working. We pulled the break-a-way switch and no brakes. Got an estimate for diagnostics of $50 applied to work if done.

Would like some more input from here as to what we may expect.

When exactly were the brakes adjusted the last time? This is a standard maintenance item. Very few TT have self adjusting brakes. I adjust mine annually at least.

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OP MAY be deciding whether it is worth putting money into THIS trailer OR sell it and get ANOTHER TRAILER..

If they are thinking of selling the trailer then it IS up to the BUYER to ensure the trailer is road worthy before towing (That IS what I have encountered over the years..

I HAVE had to FIX LIGHTS AND BRAKES before towing after the purchase of a used trailer.

Why in the world should WE (IE the forum) jump to final death conclusions..

We have no way of knowing the exact reason as to why the OP asked the question so there is no reason to jump to conclusions like they are not going to repair the brakes and use as is..

Obviously the brake issue has them worried otherwise they would not have ever started this thread.

OP may have a BUDGET or is wanting to BUDGET for the expense of repairs, who knows.. But no sense in acting like or insisting they are not going to get repaired before using.. Just because they asked a simple question of possible cost or what may be involved in the repair, doesn't mean they are not planning to get it fixed..

Sort of like taking a vehicle to a repair shop.. YOU WANT AN ESTIMATE so you can figure out if it worth the cost..
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Apparently GDETRAILER is an aspiring attorney because of his NEED to criticize Westend and other posters for asking some questions relating to the OP's post and his ANNOYING NEED TO CAPITALIZE WORDS to make his point. CHILL!

Will be getting fixed or getting out out of camping. Would not sell without disclosing any and all problems!!!