Troubleshooting Trailer Disc Brakes that Wheels Wont Turn by Hand

Updated 06/10/2015 | Published 06/09/2015

Question:

I have a single axle performance boat trailer that was converted to disc surge brakes about 8 years ago. I replaced tires yesterday and noticed that I cant turn the wheels by hand. Does this mean the brakes are on or are they stuck? Both tires had broken belts in them. Could faulty breaks cause tire failure? I really would line to know where to start with troubleshooting the brake system. I cant activate the breakaway by hand. Should I be able to? I really am at the point of taking the pads out, draining the fluid and calling it quits. Any help is greatly appreciated.

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

If faulty brakes would have caused the tire failure you would have felt the brakes dragging as you were towing the trailer. They most likely would have been locked up and smoking behind you as well. If there are flat spots on the tires this would be a good indicator of this.

To see if the reason you can't rotate the wheel by hand is due to pressure in the brake lines you can try opening the bleeder valve of the caliper slightly to see if pressurized fluid comes out. If so then you know there is pressure built up in the system most likely due to the actuator not fully extending back and relieving pressure. If not, then you know the actuator is functioning properly.

If the trailer has sat for a while there could be corrosion on the rotors that will cause the wheels to stick. When I leave my car parked out in the rain and don't drive it for a few days when I go to take off I feel the wheels stick for a second and then release.

expert reply by: Jameson C