Loud squeak in brakes

[MO_Trout_Bum]

Tried to find similar posts, however nothing turned up in this forum. So, here is my question. I have a two-year-old Cougar (see my signature) with limited mileage, that has developed a loud squeak when applying the brakes. I adjusted the brakes a couple of weeks ago to see if this helped, and also listened for the noise while doing so. However, no squeaks at all while turning each wheel by hand (no matter how tightly they were adjusted). The brakes work very well, however the loud noise is getting alarming. Anyone had anything similar, or have any thoughts what mighht be causing this? Trying to avoid removing all when to check, unless I have to. Thanks!

[the_bear_II]

I often use my iPhone instead of my wife for this kind of stuff. I would tape it to one side of the trailer and hit record make a couple of stops and then switch sides listen to the playback to determine which side. Then tape it close to each wheel to narrow down a wheel. Or strap it to the axle near each wheel.

A small tape recorder with an external mic might work better.

[MO_Trout_Bum]

Scott, yes it seems to do it at slower speeds. Problem is getting my camping companions (wife and daughter) to help with the diagnosis. 🙂

[ScottG]

Does it do it at slow enough speed that you could walk beside it as someone else slowly pulls it? If so then it would probably be obvious which wheel it is.

Good luck.

[MO_Trout_Bum]

Thanks, Donn. No, the problem is persistent. Does it every time the brakes are applied. We have not yet been able to isolate it to a particular wheel, but will attempt to do so. I was also wondering about contamination from grease... no obvious signs from the back of the brake drum, but probably won't know until I take it apart. Have been avoiding this, as it is parked on a gravel storage lot, however looks like no choice at this point. Thanks again!

Mike

[donn0128]

Could be brake contamination from grease or rusty drum. Does it go away after a few miles? If not, try to isolate which brake is making noise and take that wheel apart.