Troubleshooting Hubs and Drums Heating Up on Boat Trailer

Updated 08/12/2014 | Published 08/10/2014

Question:

Hello. I recently replaced poorly functioning / worn drum brakes on my tandem boat trailer with the titan free backing that I purchased on this site. I also replaced the hub seals and bearings. Brakes are on the front axle only. After a very short 2 mile drive the hubs, drums and backing plate are all very hot...too hot to touch. I have a titan style free sliding actuator that has been on the trailer for years. I have confirmed that the brake pads are not dragging on the drums and I have confirmed that when the actuator activates that the brakes properly apply and when released the brakes properly release. I am wondering what you think. I am currently looking a the actuator and wondering if the hydraulic cylinder brake damper is too weak allowing the slightest actuator movement to activate the brakes. I also wonder if I should back off the pad adjustment more so that it takes more actuator travel to make the brakes work.

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

A bad shock/damper and over adjusted brakes could be the cause of your problem.

However, I would start off by checking to make sure that the spindle nut wasn't tightened down too tightly after replacing the bearings and seals. You should tighten the spindle nut until it is tight and then back it off one 1/4 turn.

If this doesn't correct your problem, you could try backing off of the pad adjustment to see if this will help.

expert reply by: Leah S