Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Assembly that Locks Up When Spun Forward

Updated 08/28/2017 | Published 08/27/2017

Question:

I have a tandem 20k 8 tire trailer with Dexters on both axles. The issue isnt electrical. I noticed the right side got extremely hot and trouble pulling it from a stop last night.. the brakes were dragging somehow. I jacked each trailer axle right side and spun the wheel but it grabbed in less than a 1/4 turn no power to the trailer. If I spun it backwards it up it would release and spin either way freely. When I apply power and spin it then manually apply the brake via controller it stops as expected. Maybe 50 of the time when I go to spin it again itll lock within 1/4 turn - its mechanical. When Im driving Ive obviously forced the issue and heated the hubs. What would you guess is happening. Doesnt happen yet on the drivers side?

asked by: James G

Expert Reply:

Pull the hub off on the problem wheel. I bet your brake assembly has a mechanical problem and just needs to be replaced.

For a replacement Dexter brake assembly for the right hand side of a 10k Dexter axle you would want the part # 23-451.

expert reply by: Jameson C