Troubleshooting Locked Up Surge Brakes On A 1997 Stratos Tandem Axle Boat Trailer

Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 01/01/2025

Question:

I have a 1997 stratus tandem axle trailer with surge brakes. Brakes are locking up on driver side when I’m stopping fairly quick

asked by: Daniel G

Expert Reply:

Hey Daniel,

If the surge brakes are only locking up on one side that's typically a sign or a bad/stuck caliper (disc), blockage in the brake lines, or an overly adjusted brake assembly (drum). I would start by checking the caliper or drum assembly and then move on to bleeding the brake lines to check for an air bubble or contaminant. If you have drum brakes you'll want the hub./drum to spin but have a bit of drag on the brakes. Typically, I'll throw the wheel on with 2 lug nuts (hand-tightened) and spin it. I'll adjust the brake assembly until the wheel is only making about 1-2 rotations and then stops on it's own.

For the disc brake assembly you just need to check if the brake pads can freely move back and forth. I use a composite pry tool to try and pull them apart. If not, the piston might have some kind of debris or corrosion locking it up that will need to be cleaned. You can put the wheel on and spin it as well listening for any abnormal grinding noises.

Let me know what you find and we can keep troubleshooting if needed.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Jesse M.

11/3/2025

Hey Daniel, what did you find when you checked the caliper or drum assembly on your Stratus trailer? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with one-sided brake lockup.