Trailer brake keeps sticking

bartlettj wrote:
Are you sure you didn't just set the bearing preload too tight?

I set it correctly just like I did on the other wheels.

Are you sure you didn't just set the bearing preload too tight?

Lynnmor wrote:
Which shoe pushes out is just a matter of one being somewhat easier to move than the other. When the drum is installed and the brakes adjusted correctly the shoes don't travel very far. See if the shoes are catching on the back plate. See if the spreader piece between the shoes is free to move. A small amount of high temperature grease should be applied where the shoes meet the backplate. When you are adjusting the brakes, turn the adjuster till the drum cannot be rotated to center the shoes, then back off till there is just the slightest drag.

x2 on the Brake and Caliper grease. Pick it up at any auto parts store. I was having this same issue when I got the trailer out from winter storage. A small amount of the grease where ever the shoes touch the backplate should fix it. In my case I used a wire brush on the back plate where all the contact points where to remove any crud that was built up first, then applied the grease and re-adjusted the brakes as Lynnmor describes. Have put about 3000 miles on since doing that and everything is good.

Which shoe pushes out is just a matter of one being somewhat easier to move than the other. When the drum is installed and the brakes adjusted correctly the shoes don't travel very far. See if the shoes are catching on the back plate. See if the spreader piece between the shoes is free to move. A small amount of high temperature grease should be applied where the shoes meet the backplate. When you are adjusting the brakes, turn the adjuster till the drum cannot be rotated to center the shoes, then back off till there is just the slightest drag.

I've already done a lot of what Old Biscuit is describing. I have verified that I have the correct assembly on the correct side. It is a right hand assembly on the right hand side of trailer. When I push the magnet one direction, the opposite shoe expands out and releases when I release the magnet. When I push the magnet the opposite direction the other shoe expands, but does not fully release when I let go of the magnet. Instead of the shoe just expanding out, it goes out and up at the top and just sticks there when I let go of the magnet. I then have to take a hammer and very lightly tap it and it goes back into position. I imagine when the drum is in place, it would prevent this upward movement at the top. I hope this makes sense. Any suggestions?

midnightsadie wrote:
isn,t there some thing about a short shoe and a long shoe, the amount of pad on the shoe . ones shorter than the other for a reason.

Yes, look at the yellow lines on OB's image.

midnightsadie wrote:
isn,t there some thing about a short shoe and a long shoe, the amount of pad on the shoe . ones shorter than the other for a reason.

That is why we need to know if the assemblies are on the correct side. Yes, there is a primary and secondary shoe.

isn,t there some thing about a short shoe and a long shoe, the amount of pad on the shoe . ones shorter than the other for a reason.

Magnet gets energized by DC Volatge
When energized it tries to attach itself to face of drum
Drum rotates causing magnet to try and follow/stay attached
When magnet rotates it forces brakes shoes to expand against inside of drum

When DC Voltage is no longer present magnet releases from drum face , drops back to reset position, brake shoes release...drum spins free

Magnet is not releasing OR shoes are not releasing
Magnet has a spring slip in center that pulls magnet back
Shoes have return springs

Will need to pull drum and inspect drum face/shoe surfaces (pitted/grooved,) brake shoe material/return spring (cracked/chucks/missing), magnet (flat face/spring) and check magnet/shoes movement.....move magnet and watch how brake shoes extend/release...no binding of actuating lever








Brakes S/B replaced in a set.....both sides of same axle

Bols2DawaLL wrote:
Yes burnishing and break-in is important

Braking performance will be poor till the burnishing is complete. The problem that the OP is having is something other than this. Once he rules out electrical problems and double checks for wrong side installation, we can look at other mechanical problems.