[barrelhorses]

Is it possible that the trailer brakes would still be getting power after I let off the brake pedal? The reason I ask is today I pulled my trailer to a local barrel race and noticed that after braking and then letting off, there was a noise that sounded like the trailer brakes squealing/squawking. This noise continued for maybe three or four seconds after resuming throttle then would stop.

I have the Ford controller and I keep it dialed up to 9. But very seldom do I brake hard enough for all the green power indicator lights to light up.

 

[LongRider]

<font color="green"> You most likely have something loose, or bent, and hanging up in a drum.

Jack up the wheels and spin them, while listening for something scraping.

Then, spin each tire, pretty fast, and have someone hit the brake, so you can see what is going on. </font>

 

[CaptRon]

The brakes are probably dragging from the magnet arms not releasing. I takes a ways for the drum hitting the shoes before the arms hang again and during that time the shoes will squeal and squeak.
Been there, Done that. It won't correct itself, you need to pull the wheels and drums and check the brakes.

Capt Ron

 

[barrelhorses]

I've never fooled with brakes before. If the magnets are hanging up, should I clean them with brake cleaner and lube them up? Or is this an electrical issue that requires more complicated tasks.
Thanks for the input.

 

[LongRider]

<font color="green">This should be a mechanical problem in the drums, not an electrical issue. </font>

 

[CaptRon]

It's bushing in the arm that the magnets are mounted on. The top is a pivot pin and it will get brake dust and old grease sticking it so that it isn't free to move. Take the arm off and clean the pivot well, then grease it well and check to see if it will drop on it's own when raised. I fought this problem for a year and finally had to replace the backing plates and all to the tune of $800. Hopefully you'll have better luck than I did as I had to do this on a trip and do the work myself in an RV dealership parking lot.

Capt Ron

 

[barrelhorses]

Thanks, I'll tear into soon.