Troubleshooting Car Trailer With One Wheel Locked Up

Updated 12/24/2020 | Published 12/22/2020

Question:

I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado I use it for hauling cars one of the wheels on my trailer is locked any suggestion on how to unlock it

asked by: Fontane G

Expert Reply:

I'm sorry to hear your trailer wheel is locked up!

My recommendation is to jack up the trailer and remove that specific wheel and drum. You may need to loosen the brake adjuster first to be able to get the drum off.

My guess is that either that brake assembly suffered a mechanical failure causing it to lock up and stay locked up or there is corrosion that has caused that brake shoe to stick to the inside of the drum which can happen if the trailer sat for long periods of time.

If when you remove the drum you find any broken/damaged parts, or parts that are corroded past a useable level, just let me know the axle weight capacity, and which inner and outer bearings you have and I would be more than happy to recommend the best parts to get you back on the road!

expert reply by: Samuel C