Feel like you’re starring in the latest rendition of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride? Chances are, it’s long past time for trailer brake service. Water, heavy loads, pothole-ridden roads, and steep hills take their toll on brake system components, making timely brake maintenance and repair essential to the safety and longevity of your trusty trailer.
How Can You Tell it’s Time for Service?
- Brakes won’t release after a sudden stop.
This issue is common on boat trailers whose drum brakes are not routinely flushed following use/submersion, as well as on trailers that aren’t used very often. It indicates a mechanical or hydraulic problem preventing fluid from traveling back to the reservoir. Investigation will be necessary to determine whether clogs affecting your brakes, or the master cylinder or surge actuator slide assembly has malfunctioned. - Brakes work on some wheels, but not on others.
If you’ve been neglecting your bearings in addition to your brakes, a grease leak may be affecting your braking system. Worn drums and rotors also commonly cause this issue, as will misadjusted brake linings, air in the lines, blocked/kinked lines, or a frozen wheel cylinder/disc caliper. - Brakes operate in reverse. (When you don’t want them to.)
A common issue on surge brake systems and a major annoyance for boaters, this issue can be combatted with the help of manufacturer recommended brake assemblies that safely workaround the issue. This includes ‘free backing’ assemblies that allow brakes to disengage in reverse only, as well as electric solenoid valve additions, wired to and activated by reverse lights, which allow brake fluid to bypass back to the reservoir when in reverse. - Brakes don’t work at all.
If your brakes have gone on sabbatical, you may be low (or empty) on brake fluid. Never a fun (or safe) scenario, this is not the time to dump in more fluid and get back on the road. If there’s no fluid in the reservoir, you have a leak, which must be found to prevent recurrences. If the reservoir is empty, a master cylinder and wheel cylinder replacement is also highly recommended to prevent the corrosion and breakdown of your entire brake system and steel lines. If fluid is not the issue, your drum brakes may be out of adjustment, wheel cylinder(s) frozen, brake lines clogged, or master cylinder shot.
There’s a Reason Commercial Truck Drivers Must Check Their Rigs Daily
Even seemingly small problems with brakes can lead to serious safety issues and costly, potentially deadly accidents down the road. This is why brake service is recommended for all trailers every XXXX miles or XXX time period. When was the last time you had your trailer serviced?
Head off problems at the pass, keeping yourself and other roadway travelers safe. Schedule a free maintenance or repair estimate and ensure the safety of your trailer with the help of the trusted professionals at Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.
