Is it Normal to Hear Trailer Brakes Clicking

Updated 07/21/2024 | Published 07/03/2020

Question:

When I plug my trailer into my truck you can here a little pulsing clicking sound at the wheels, is that normal? I jacked the wheel up and the brake wasn’t catching but all of my bearings and races I had to replace replace because they got to hot, they had burnt marks on the inside.

asked by: David F

Expert Reply:

The clicking you are hearing is normal. That's actually your brake controller sending a split second of amperage on the brake output circuit to see if a trailer is connected. This is basically just the test the controller performs to know if a trailer is connected. This would be unrelated to your bearing issue.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Billy S.

7/21/2024

I also have a ticking on my enclosed trailer brakes while attached to my 2013 Ram 2500… should the ticking be continuous or should it eventually stop? My trailer brakes don’t stop the trailer at a slow roll using my brake controller so I’m not sure if they are working at all. I tried adjusting but the portals on the backing plate are too close to the suspension to get an adjusting spoon inside. I’m think of replacing all 4 brakes with new backing plate brake kits.

Jameson C.

7/21/2024

@BillyS The clicking is normal like what I mentioned in the answer you read above. It won't stop as long as the trailer is connected. Weak brakes could be from them being not adjusted properly, the brake wire being too thin (should be at least 10 gauge), or grease has gotten in the drums and onto the brake pads.