Troubleshooting Brakes On Trailer that Got Weak That Can be Still Heard Buzzing

Updated 10/07/2015 | Published 10/06/2015

Question:

A couple of years ago I installed the backing plate out brakes on my 7000# Dexter axles. There was a slight problem with one of the brakes not releasing after a stop, but it did go away after awhile. Now, even with the Tekonsha Voyager controller turned all the way up, I have little to no braking power. This seemed to happen overnight, not gradually. I can hear the buzz from the magnets using either the controller alone or brake pedal. Can I rule out the controller being the issue? And if so, where do I start looking for the problem?

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

Weak trailer brakes can be a number of things. If you have self adjusting assemblies it's most likely not caused by them but you can still check to make sure they are putting a slight drag on the drums as you turn them.

Since you can hear that the magnets are buzzing I would suspect that maybe you have bad magnets on your trailer. I attached a help article that details how to trouble shoot them.

You still might try taking the hubs off and looking for anything out of place or damaged.

expert reply by: Jameson C