Electric Brake question (One tire is locking up)

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doospunk

Active member
Just installed a break controller on my truck, and had all bearings, breaks serviced, and inspected for the season. Was pulling the trailer today for a short job, and noticed that when coming to a slow rolling stop, my front driver side tire would lock up, on loose gravel and pavement. The other was fine, and was not doing the same. I adjusted the controller to several different settings, but still had the same issue. Any thoughts on what the issue might be? Just to clarify, it doesn't lock up when applying the breaks in regular use, but if I were to turn into a driveway at rolling speed, or let off the break at a stoplight to let the truck creep forward,OR a few feet before stopping at a light, then apply the breaks, it occurs. I noticed some black break dust on the rim that was not there prior, and the hub felt a bit warmer that the other three. Thanks for any thoughts or ideas.
 
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zimmbob

Member
Check the adjustment screw on the front brake. Might be too tight. Or, could just be that you don't have as much down pressure on that front tire as the back one, and it allows it to lock up easier. But I'd guess the adjustment screw is just too wide. So when you move it, spin the screw down or toward you, to 'screw in' and shorten the length. :)
 
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racerx

Active member
When I first got my trailer I was locking up on BOTH sides but that was because I had the controller on 5 and the trailer was empty. I would say on loose gravel you could get lockup due to traction but only on one side is a little suspect. You mentioned it locks up on gravel AND pavement but not under "regular use" which I don't quite understand BUT anytime one hub is hotter that definately points to some kind of an issue (I found a locked up wheel cylinder on my boat trailer once, altho it was REALLY hot but the Cummins just pulled it so I never noticed til I got home).

The problem as stated above is probably a dragging brake or one that doesn't totally release. To do a quick check I would jack up the trailer and spin the wheels by hand to compare, if you have dual axles it will be one quick jacking other ALTHO what seems like an intermitent problem you may want to jack it up immediately after it locks up.
 
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lvr1000

New member
You mentioned the other 3. You might not have enough weight on the wheel locking up when you have two axles, especially if the trailer is empty. Does the trailer sit level?
 
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