Forum Discussion

DD716TED's avatar
DD716TED
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015

Trailer Brakes Grabbing...

Several months ago, I had the wheel bearings repacked on my two axel Travel Trailer.. The facility that repacked the bearings never re-adjested the brakes after the job so I had to do it... We have used the trailer about once a month since last August (repack month) and ususally apply the brakes one or twice when leaving the storage area to make sure they are working properly. This week we again took the trailer out for a trip and upon departing, the brakes works as usual.. (it should be noted that the trailer is stored in an undercover proteced dry storage area). At the campsight, we had al ot or rain.. today coming home no matter what I did (controller adjust), the brakes grabbed... The trip home was a rather short one but when we got home they were still grabbing and were hot (could smell hotness).. Could the moisture have caused this, or do I need to do another mechanical brake adjustment again... In the past they have briefly grabbed when first used after hookup, but immediately grabbing went away after testing, but not today..

9 Replies

  • spike99's avatar
    spike99
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2015
    DD716TED wrote:
    cyntdon2010 wrote:
    what type of brake controller do you have? (If you don't have a prodigy )sounds like the brake controller might be adjust to tight or bad


    Curt controller model 51120


    As per http://www.curtmfg.com/Category/200/Brake%20Controls Curt model 51120 is a "time" based controller.

    Regardless of maker, recommend ripping out "time" brake controller and replace with Inertia (movement) / Proportional based controller. Go with Prodigy P2 or P3 brand.

    If wondering, I had a "time" brake controller for 22 days. On the 23 day, I ripped in out, trashed it and replaced with Inertia (movement) based controller. One of the best decisions I've made.

    Recommend OP does the same.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Mar 05, 2015
    Mine do the same thing when it's damp out. My trailer is stored under covered storage as well. It takes a few miles to get the rust off then they are fine.
  • DD716TED's avatar
    DD716TED
    Explorer
    Mar 05, 2015
    cyntdon2010 wrote:
    what type of brake controller do you have? (If you don't have a prodigy )

    sounds like the brake controller might be adjust to tight or bad


    Curt controller model 51120
  • cyntdon2010's avatar
    cyntdon2010
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2015
    what type of brake controller do you have? (If you don't have a prodigy )

    sounds like the brake controller might be adjust to tight or bad
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 21, 2015
    TucsonJim wrote:
    Just replaced my brakes on my 10 month old FW due to grease in the drums that had leaked past the seals. Take a look at the inside of your rims for any tell-tale grease. If you see any, further inspection is warranted.


    That is a good indicator but they can be slathered with the stuff and not show any signs on the backing plate or wheels.

    I would pull at least one hub and check it out.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Feb 21, 2015
    Just replaced my brakes on my 10 month old FW due to grease in the drums that had leaked past the seals. Take a look at the inside of your rims for any tell-tale grease. If you see any, further inspection is warranted.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 21, 2015
    Classic sign of grease on the shoes. Did they just use the EZ lubes?
    If you find grease on the pads you'll know they took a big shortcut.
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2015
    Sounds like grease on the shoes. You may have a bit of a battle on your hands. Seems like the shop the repacked the bearings would have at least some responsibility. Maybe they would eat the labor?
  • myredracer's avatar
    myredracer
    Explorer II
    Feb 20, 2015
    Since you just had the bearings repacked, I would take the drums off and confirm that grease hasn't gotten onto the linings. Maybe 1 or more warped drums? You might try lifting one wheel at a time off the ground (if you know how to do it correctly) and checking to see if all 4 brakes are working properly.

    We had grease in our brakes on our first TT from brand new and the brakes were really grabbing/pulsating when applied and the tires would skid on gravel surfaces. Took the dealer 12 months until they finally took it all apart and completely rebuilt all 4 brakes due to grease on the linings plus they replaced all of the drums because they were warped. We were told it was our brake controller and had it replaced for over $300 with a Prodigy P3 while on the Oregon Coast, but it made no difference.

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