Troubleshooting Hot Hubs and Rims on a Trailer
Updated 08/15/2024 | Published 08/13/2024 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I recently installed the 10” 2 1/4” electric brakes on my trailer, and noticed after driving a long distance on the highway without hitting the brakes much at all, that both hubs and rims were extremely hot! So hot you couldn’t touch them. Did the brakes self-adjust too tight and now I have another problem? What would you recommend I do now?
asked by: Dennis M
Expert Reply:
Hey Dennis, thanks for reaching out!
If you're talking about the etrailer Electric Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA, you will need to initially adjust them so that there is a slight drag when you spin the hub.
It sounds like your brakes may have initially been adjusted for too much braking power and they need to be backed off. If you do have them adjusted so there is a slight drag without them being applied, then your system might be applying the brakes prematurely and you'll need to look into investigate what's going on.
The only other thing that could be going on is your bearings could be overheating, and for that you'll need to make sure the grease is good and the bearings aren't damaged.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Free Backing - Galvanized - Left/Right - 10" - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Marine Grade
- Free Backing
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- Demco
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Brand New 7k Dexter Brake Assemblies on Trailer are Not Strong Enough
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes and Grease Seal Failure
- Q&A: Do Brake Shoes Need to be Replaced if Grease Spilled on Them
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Chart With Error Codes Explained for the Prodigy P2 90885
- Q&A: How to Put the P2 Brake Controller in Electric Over Hydraulic Mode
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles - Qty 2
- Q&A:
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer

