Troubleshooting Surge Trailer Brakes that Make Hammering Sound When Applied

Updated 06/15/2018 | Published 06/14/2018

Question:

My Dico Model 60 surge brake with Demco brake cylinders are making the extremely loud Machine gunning noise.. Brakes seem to be activating properly so I need to isolate and fix the problem.. I have replaced the master cylinder and the shock, bled the brakes several times but still cannot stop the chatter.. Prior to this issue brakes were engaging really well although it did seem they were a little late to respond and then jerked hard when engaged.. Any ideas on how to proceed troubleshooting from here?

asked by: Kevin M

Expert Reply:

I bet it's a worn out suspension component that's flexing as the trailer pushes into the surge brake actuator and once the brake applies it pulls itself back and repeats the process quickly causing the hammering sound you are experiencing.

Check out the suspension of the trailer to see if you can find any worn components that would cause this and fix as needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C