Troubleshooting Tandem Trailer Front Trailer Axle Bouncing And Locking Up

Updated 11/19/2020 | Published 11/17/2020

Question:

So we have a 2000 Dexter Axle P 12 Model SLR D120 FRONT AXLE SEEMS TO LOCK UP..AND BOUNCE CRAZY... TO A HAULT. ANY IDEAS WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. WE CHANGES, BRAKE SHOES, DRUMS... WE CHANGES S-CAM BUSHINGS, SLACK ADJUSTERS, BRAKE CHAMBERS, AND HOSES.... SERVICE AND EMERGENCY VALVES.. STILL WE HAVE NO LUCK. SAME ISSUE. ONLY OTHER THAT I CAN THINK OF.. IS THE LEAF SPRING BUSHINGS.. ANY TAKES ON WHAT THIS MAY BE CAUSING.. TO LOCK UP.. AND BOUNCE .. AND ONLY ON FRONT AXLE. NOT THE REAR AXLE.

asked by: Dallas K

Expert Reply:

Based on the information you provided saying you have replaced most of the suspension system and braking system I recommend verifying that the brake shoes are adjusted correctly on the front axle and are not causing the brakes to lock up too easily.

To do this you will need to use a Brake Adjustment Spoon # W80630 or a flat head screw driver and with the front axle off the ground spin the front axle wheels. With properly adjust brake shoes you should be able to spin the wheels with light resistance. If you are having a hard time spinning the wheels you will need to loosen the star adjuster located at the bottom of your brake assembly until you get the correct setting.

I included a helpful article that goes over adjust trailer brakes for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C