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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Right Hand - 10,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 10000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 12-1/4 x 4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: e4541
- Search Results: 10k brake
- Search Results: dual wheel
- Search Results: breakaway kit
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right - 10K
- Search Results: hasp
- Shop: ThinLine LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 15 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Search Results: kti remote
- Search Results: pintle
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Brake Drum for 9,000-lb to 10,000-lb Axles - 12-1/4" - 8 on 6-1/2 - Non-ABS
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Dexter Electric Brakes Overheating on Rear Axle of Tandem Axle Trailer
- Shop: Dexter 3/4" x 4-1/2" Spring Eye Bolt for 10K General Duty Slipper Springs
- Shop: Mounting Bolt for Brake Drum for Dexter Trailer Hub Assembly - 9,000 - 10,000-lb Axles - Qty 1
- Shop: Thinline LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 15 Diodes - Red Lens
- Shop: Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Comparing Kenda KR03, KR35, And KR53 Tires
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Hands-On with the Hub Saver Hub and Wheel Protector
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Which is Better for Highway Use 4.80-12 or 5.30-12 Trailer TIres
on Accessories and Parts
