Troubleshooting Trailer that Pulls to One Side When Braking

Published 11/29/2017

Question:

I have a 2009 5x10 utility trailer that has seen relatively little use. It has a 5100-lb AL-KO axle with 12inch x 2inch electric brakes with a Tekonsha Prodigy controller. I noticed recently that upon brake application, the trailer would pull to one side - the rear end of the trailer and the front end of the tow vehicle would point right, so Im assuming the left trailer wheel is getting more braking force than the right. I did a stationary test with the trailer off the ground. I had a helper apply the brakes in the tow vehicle and I turned each trailer wheel by hand to verify that both electric brakes were engaging which they were. Ive adjusted the brakes as per your helpful video Two questions: 1. Do I need to re-adjust the brakes or should I check the magnets for a short? 2. After the test-drive after brake adjustment, the left hub was hot, the right hub was warm. I had been using the manual lever on the brake controller a lot on the 20-minute test-drive. Under these circumstances, should the hub be hot? Note: I had recently repacked the bearings. Thank you!

asked by: Jay S

Expert Reply:

The pulling you are experiencing does indicate that the brakes are applying harder on one side than on the other. You mentioned in your question that you recently repacked the bearings - was this done before the pulling issue began or after?

The reason I ask this is because grease that found its way onto a brake magnet/assembly can lead to the issue you are having. I recommend checking the brake magnets for any grease (or anything else that appears off) and clean/repair as needed. Check to see if the castle nut(s) might be too tight, as this can cause the bearings to bind and create that heat that you are also seeing. Also check to make sure that the wiring to each brake assembly is in good condition and the ground is connected to a clean, bare metal surface.

If everything checks out fine on the magnets and brake assemblies, then there could be a short that is causing more voltage to be applied on one side. I recommend checking both the vehicle and trailer side connectors for any dirt or corrosion, cleaning out as needed. Make sure all the wiring is intact and there are no exposed, damaged areas.

If you are still not able to resolve the issue, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R