Fault Finding - Coupling & Brakes

One service problem that has emerged in recent years is the phenomenon of the brake linings sticking fast to the inner surface of the drum. In extreme circumstances if towing the trailer is attempted, the affected hub will not turn and the tyre may be dragged along the ground.

Much investigation has been undertaken by the brake suppliers, but without any concrete conclusions. Although it is believed that the changes in the composition of the lining material in 1989, i.e. The removal of the asbestos content and its replacement with cintered metal, have an influence. Unfortunately it has proved very difficult to exactly reproduce the problems consistently under test conditions, but it is thought that under a combination of some or all conditions, the linings literally bond themselves to the drum, the cintered metal in many cases forming a rust bond. A summary of the conditions and possible remedies is as follows:

  1. Leaving the handbrake on when the trailer is parked for extended periods, particularly in damp conditions e.g. Parked up when damp, parked on long grass. It is essential that when a trailer is to be parked under these circumstances, that the handbrake is left off and the wheels adequately chocked.
  2. Trailers that are infrequently used often suffer most. This could not only be due to the handbrake as above, but also to the fact that the brakes never really are used and properly bedded in. It is vital that such trailers are regularly serviced on a time interval basis - see c) above.
  3. Boat trailers - immersion of the brakes in water, particularly salt water can have serious detrimental effects on the brakes and cause severe bonding problems. Additional servicing is essential - see Boat Trailers - Additional Operating Advice
  4. In the event of one or more brakes sticking on in this fashion, the only remedy is to strip down, clean and reassemble the hub/brake. It may be possible to break the bond by tapping the drum with a hammer after backing off the adjuster. This will enable the trailer to be moved, if stuck in an inconvenient place, but it is essential that the brakes be stripped down as soon as is practicable afterwards.
  5. If all else fails or you experience repeated problems with a particular trailer, consult the Service Department of either the axle or brake manufacturer.

Fault Finding Table

FaultPossible CauseRemedy
Brakes overheatWheel brakes over adjustedAdjust correctly
Wheel brake dirty/rustyClean and re-set
Handbrake not releasing or left onCheck mechanism and adjust
Bowden cable(s) kinkedCheck and replace
Drawtube dirty and/or bentClean or replace
Overrun lever/brake lever Sticking and/or bentGrease or replace
Braking effort weakWheel brakes not adjustedAdjust correctly
Brake linings glazed or contaminatedClean or replace and re-set
Incorrect clearances in systemCheck and re-set
Drawtube dirty and/or bentClean or replace
Reversing difficultBraking system set too tightCheck and re-set
Handbrake weakBraking system set incorrectlyCheck and re-set to eliminate excessive travel
Uneven or jerky brakingToo much play in braking systemCheck and re-set
Worn damper in overrunReplace
Faulty components in wheel brakeCheck and replace
Ovality in drumCheck and have skimmed, or replace
Wheel brakes unevenly adjustedCheck and re-set
Bowden cable kinkedCheck and replace
Brake linings contaminatedCheck and replace
Excessive nose weightCheck and adjust load
Banging from overrun when brakingDamper resistance completely goneReplace. Then adjust brakes.
Difficulty coupling and uncouplingCoupling head mechanism dirty or damagedCheck and clean or replace
Towball dirtyClean and, if necessary, grease
Towball damagedCheck and replace
Excessive play between coupling head and towballCoupling head wornReplace
Towball wornReplace
Wear in back of eye and rear of pinJaw too wideCheck and replace eye
Wear on inside and outside of front of eyeJaw too tightReplace with wider jaw
Pin seized in jawJaw crimped by excessive noseweightReplace jaw and reduce noseweight
Stress fractures on couplings or trailer drawbarIncorrect eye/jaw combinationCheck and replace with compatible components
Excessive overhang on towing vehicleCheck and discuss with operator. Possibly fit Shocklink
Mis-match of towing heightsModify towball or trailer coupling position or fit height adjustable equipment

N.B. after any instance of the brakes overheating it is ESSENTIAL that the wheel bearings and grease are thoroughly checked over and replaced if necessary.