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SkiSmuggs's avatar
SkiSmuggs
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015

RV Brake Validation

I had the equalizers and dry bolts upgraded to the Dexter EZ Flex and wet bolts by a spring & chassis shop the other day. On the way home, it felt like the truck (3900 miles) was pulling to the left every time I used the brakes. After disconnecting at home, I drove the truck around and no pulling left when braking, so the fiver brake wiring may have been damaged during the upgrade process. I can crawl underneath the fiver(raining now) and inspect the wiring, but if I can't see a problem, how best to validate brake operation?
I can jack up one side at a time, spin the wheels and have the DW apply brakes to see what happens. Or I can pull slowly down the gravel driveway, apply brakes while DW checks to see which wheels lock up. Or is there a better way?
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    Sadly, the compass trick didn't yield any consistent results. I do hear a hum or whine when the brakes are applied, and on both sides it seemed louder at one wheel than the other. It looks like I'm going to have to get dirty. I'll adjust the brakes while I am at it.
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    Charlie D. wrote:
    Energizing brakes and being unable to turn does not guarantee that the braking is adequate. My previous rig did not seem to be braking correctly. Jacked up the tires, energized the brake and could not turn. Found that the wiring connections were not properly made up. I now check with a DC amp meter to determine amps being pulled. As said above, never hurts to pull the drums to see if there is an issue there.

    At my age, we don't say "it never hurts" to do something.
  • Charlie_D_'s avatar
    Charlie_D_
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2015
    Energizing brakes and being unable to turn does not guarantee that the braking is adequate. My previous rig did not seem to be braking correctly. Jacked up the tires, energized the brake and could not turn. Found that the wiring connections were not properly made up. I now check with a DC amp meter to determine amps being pulled. As said above, never hurts to pull the drums to see if there is an issue there.
  • johntank's avatar
    johntank
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    swamprat 01 wrote:
    kaydeejay wrote:
    Simple first check.... Do you have a compass??
    Hold it near each fiver wheel with the brakes applied. If it deflects, your magnets are getting power. If not, there is a wiring issue.
    If you are getting power to each magnet, and the brakes ARE adjusted, then it's time to raise each wheel and check that the brake is actually working.
    If there is power, but limited braking, then it's probably time to pull the hubs and see where the grease is!



    X 2


    Or it could be that brakes just need to be adjusted or maybe new brake shoes are needed.
  • SkiSmuggs's avatar
    SkiSmuggs
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    kaydeejay wrote:
    Simple first check.... Do you have a compass??
    Hold it near each fiver wheel with the brakes applied. If it deflects, your magnets are getting power. If not, there is a wiring issue.
    If you are getting power to each magnet, and the brakes ARE adjusted, then it's time to raise each wheel and check that the brake is actually working.
    If there is power, but limited braking, then it's probably time to pull the hubs and see where the grease is!

    Wow! This sounds like a plan! Thanks.
  • nineoaks2004's avatar
    nineoaks2004
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    kaydeejay wrote:
    Simple first check.... Do you have a compass??
    Hold it near each fiver wheel with the brakes applied. If it deflects, your magnets are getting power. If not, there is a wiring issue.
    If you are getting power to each magnet, and the brakes ARE adjusted, then it's time to raise each wheel and check that the brake is actually working.
    If there is power, but limited braking, then it's probably time to pull the hubs and see where the grease is!



    X 2
  • kaydeejay's avatar
    kaydeejay
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2015
    Simple first check.... Do you have a compass??
    Hold it near each fiver wheel with the brakes applied. If it deflects, your magnets are getting power. If not, there is a wiring issue.
    If you are getting power to each magnet, and the brakes ARE adjusted, then it's time to raise each wheel and check that the brake is actually working.
    If there is power, but limited braking, then it's probably time to pull the hubs and see where the grease is!
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2015
    Best thing you can do right now is adjust the trailer brakes and try it again. Also carefuly inspect the tires. Coming up here the first of the month my truck was pulling to the right horribly. Park and a week later were driving into town and I feel a bad vibration. Careful inspection found the LF tire had a belt failure. 6 new tires and the truck drives straight and smoother than ever.

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