Troubleshooting Single Brake Drum Overheating After Replacing Brakes

Updated 03/24/2024 | Published 03/23/2024

Question:

So I have a tandem axle Keystone bullet camper, and I just replaced all four brake assemblies and drums with the self adjusting brakes. During break and one drum is getting extremely hot. Do you recommend backing off that particular self adjuster so the other three wheels can catch up with adjustment or just continue with breakin? Before I started the break-in process I applied the brakes 40 to 50 times with the brake controller at a very slow roll to try and allow the self adjusters to adjust everything. Thanks!

asked by: Casey L

Expert Reply:

I would not try to back that off since it is extremely hard to do on self-adjusting brakes. Also, I doubt the brake assembly overadjusted. You can spin it to see if there is excess drag compared to the others but I'm willing to bet the castle nut is overtightened on that hub. This is a common cause for overheating and seems likely based on the work that was recently done. The castle nut should be hand tightened then backed off a quarter turn.

expert reply by: Robin H