Troubleshooting Electric Brakes On Tandem Trailer That Are Pulsating

Updated 06/07/2017 | Published 06/05/2017

Question:

I have a tandem axle camper trailer with electric hub style brakes. When braking I can feel one of the brakes pulsing akin to what you feel with a warped rotor on disc brakes. If I brake hard the wheel will lock up, while the other wheels dont. I havent pin pointed which wheel it is, only that it is one of the two on the passenger side. I have seen suggestions to adjust the brake shoe, but am wondering how adjusting the brake shoe inwards would help. Ive jacked the trailer up and both wheels seem to spin equally freely. With brakes applied, one of the wheels does seem to hold tighter than the other.

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

It actually sounds like something may be loose in the brake drum somewhere. If you have taken the wheel and hub off and nothing is obvious, I recommend adjusting the brakes manually as shown in the attached video.

If you adjust the brakes and still have the same problem I recommend testing the brake magnets to make certain they are working correctly. I have attached a link to a helpful article that explains how to test the magnets.

If everything checks out after testing and adjusting the brakes and you still have the problem, I recommend taking the trailer to a repair shop and have then check out the system on your trailer.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L