Rear Axle Brakes on Tandem 5th Wheel Trailer Run Hotter Than Brakes on Front Axle

Updated 03/27/2015 | Published 03/26/2015

Question:

My 5th wheel has dexter awles with brakes in all four drums. Should the front and back brakes be adjusted different. The back brakes over heat when all four are adjusted the same.

asked by: Archie D

Expert Reply:

Electric drum brakes such as the Dexter # 23-439 that you referenced should always be adjusted so that there is a slight drag on the hubs when you rotate the wheel by hand. You should be able to hear and feel this slight drag when the brakes are NOT applied. There is no "rule" that front and rear axle brakes should be adjusted differently. Ideally all brakes will share the load as evenly as possible.

There are a few possibilities to explain the higher heat you're finding in your rear axle's drum brakes.

First, if the front brakes are not adjusted so that they are doing the same work as the back brakes, not doing as much of the work of stopping the trailer, then they will run cooler. If there is a wear problem with the inside hub surface or one of the brake assembly components, that too could cause heat build-up. Another possibility is that other components in the rear axle are causing the heat.

If your bearings are worn out or damaged this too would generate heat that could be conducted to all connected metal parts, including your hubs and brakes. You can try pulling one of the rear hubs to check your grease level, bearing wear and the overall condition of the spindles. Damage to the spindle's surface - nicks, gouges or excessive wear - will create more friction and more heat.

You may care to refer to the linked article and video on trailer bearings for help with your inspection.

expert reply by: Adam R