Why Are New Hydraulic Brakes Getting Hot and Smoking
Updated 05/01/2019 | Published 04/29/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I just installed these brakes on my 5200 lb axle with hub drums and adjusted them so that there was a slight amount of drag when spinning them by hand after testing them for about five miles, one of the brakes was smoking and the other was hot but not smoking. Is there a recommended way to adjust them so as to prevent this occurrence? using a brand new Demco surge actuator with all new brake lines as well. Thank you.
asked by: Mark
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you installed the Demco Hydraulic Brake Kit # 23511-10 correctly but it is possible you may have adjusted them a bit too aggressively, as "slight drag" is subjective, of course. Otherwise there could be an issue with your drum assembly if it is on the older side. If the assembly is at all warped or slightly corroded that can be an issue.
Another problem may be that the hub needs to be properly greased and the bearings packed with Bearing Grease # L11390 and a bearing packer like # PTW1218. If you don't have proper lubrication then the heat can transfer and may be the reason your brakes are running hot.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - Galvanized - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Marine Grade
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: solenoid
- Search Results: slipper spring
- Search Results: jack handles
- Search Results: slipper spring equalizer
- Search Results: boattrailer lights
- Search Results: oil caps
- Search Results: barrel hinge
- Shop: 5-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Hook End for 7,000-lb Trailer Axles - 26-5/8" Long
- Shop: Shackle Bolt For Double-Eye Springs - 9/16" Diameter - Plain - 3" Long
- Shop: Removable Wheel for Trailer Valet JXS Trailer Jacks
- Shop: TowSmart Wire Splice Connectors - 14-18 Gauge - Qty 6
- Shop: Equalizer for 2" Wide Slipper Springs - 11" Long - 7/8" Center Hole
- Shop: 5-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Hook End for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles - 27" Long
- Shop: U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 5-1/2" Long U-Bolts
- Video: Checking Out the WeatherTech EasyRamp Pet Ramp for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Best Suspension Upgrade for 33" Tandem Axles: Road Armor vs Dexter EZ Flex for Ember 22ETS
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Can I Use Heavier Rated Leaf Springs on Trailer Without Causing Damage
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
on Trailer Brakes
