Trailer Brakes Are Making a Constant Noise Even When Not Engaged

Updated 01/14/2010 | Published 01/12/2010

Question:

i have a 2000 thor 5th wheel which makes a near constant brake noise while in motion even when brakes are not in use.there is plenty of shoe left and brakes have been adjusted and cleaned. any ideas? it is like the brakes are not fully releasing. thanks for any help

asked by: kevin

Expert Reply:

You want the brake shoes to make constant contact with the drums, even without engaging the brake controller or pedal. It should be a light engagement, just barely touching the drums. You should not be able to hear them while the trailer is in motion. You would hear it if you are just spinning the drums.

What we typically do, is with the adjuster, back the shoes off until they are not making contact. As you spin the drum by hand, slowly adjust the brakes until they make a light, but constant noise and you spin the drum. Shoes and drums do not always wear evenly so the noise may pulse. Continue adjusting the brakes out until the noise is constant.

If you have done this and still are getting a loud noise, I would think the problem may be with the bearings, races or seals inside the drum. You can write back and let me know how you adjusted the brakes and we can see if we find some other things to check.

expert reply by: Patrick B