Trailer Brake Issues.

[Jencourt]

Hi folks:
I have a 2010 road runner tandem axle with hydraulic surge drum brakes. I do not have the fresh water flush system. I use it to carry my 21 trophy with outboards.

After about 8-10 times of use, the front port side brake was stuck on and I could not get the wheel to roll. After backing up and snapping it forward a few times it let go.This happened a couple more times and then I took it in and had it looked at. Nothing could be found but they did back the adjuster off and it was good for another 4-6 times.

The last time I used it it would not roll at all. I have a 3/4 ton diesel standard and I could not move it forward or back. I jacked it up to find both wheels stuck hard on the port side.The starboard side was free an normal.After checking fluid and brake lines I backed the adjusters all the way off and was able to get it rolling again. I disconnected the line from the surge cylinder and reservoir rendering the brakes useless. This got me home. I have been back to the mechanics and they are suggesting a change to disc brakes.

This is expensive to the tune of 13-15 hundred. I am wondering what experience and suggestions you all may have with this kind of problem. Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks again (in advance) for your feedback.

Ray

[spring fever]

Sounds like your actuators are sticking on. Perhaps you should talk to Mike at Road Runner and tell him your problem and see if they have changed actuators because of problems. You can buy a seal kit for the actuators and maybe they are dirty. Did you change your brake fluid every year? If not -brake fluid is like a magnet for moisture and I'm betting there is a little corrosion in your actuators.

[SeaWolf]

Changed mine last year to Kodiak Discs, hardest part was getting the old drums off. Cdn prices were almost double so I ordered the parts to a Mail Outlet in Pt Roberts. You need to change the coupler as well and they recommend stainless brake lines as flexy lines are not designed to handle the higher pressures associated with discs. Was rather easy to do myself. Imagine having to get one of those seized drums off at the side of the road. You will be happy once you make the change.

[Jencourt]

Sounds like your actuators are sticking on. Perhaps you should talk to Mike at Road Runner and tell him your problem and see if they have changed actuators because of problems. You can buy a seal kit for the actuators and maybe they are dirty. Did you change your brake fluid every year? If not -brake fluid is like a magnet for moisture and I'm betting there is a little corrosion in your actuators.

From what I am hearing I think you would be correct about the actuators. It sounds like they get corroded and then wen they come out they do not retract all the way. I will give road runner a call.

Did not know to change brake fluid so you are probably onto something there.

Thanks.

[vetteman]

Hi folks:
I have a 2010 road runner tandem axle with hydraulic surge drum brakes. I do not have the fresh water flush system. I use it to carry my 21 trophy with outboards.

After about 8-10 times of use, the front port side brake was stuck on and I could not get the wheel to roll. After backing up and snapping it forward a few times it let go.This happened a couple more times and then I took it in and had it looked at. Nothing could be found but they did back the adjuster off and it was good for another 4-6 times.This is pretty common for csurge brakes with drums.
The last time I used it it would not roll at all. I have a 3/4 ton diesel standard and I could not move it forward or back. I jacked it up to find both wheels stuck hard on the port side.The starboard side was free an normal.After checking fluid and brake lines I backed the adjusters all the way off and was able to get it rolling again. I disconnected the line from the surge cylinder and reservoir rendering the brakes useless. This got me home. I have been back to the mechanics and they are suggesting a change to disc brakes.

This is expensive to the tune of 13-15 hundred. I am wondering what experience and suggestions you all may have with this kind of problem. Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks again (in advance) for your feedback.

Ray

Pretty common fore surge brakes with drums. Mine can get a layer of rust during the time that it's parked at the ramp and not turn for me. I just carry a two pound hammer with me and a 14" long 5/8" bolt. I have spoke type rims so I slide the end of the bolt thru the gaps in the rims until it contacts the drum and give it a good smack with the hammer. I go all around the rim that way and the drum and brake shoe free up. I used to take the time to back the brakes off but this works better and faster.
Dave

[esora]

Jencourt Changed my ezloader drum brakes over to disc last winter, all parts including disc brake actuator delivered to my door on Vancouver Island was $650.00 . Really easy to change over.

Esora

[spring time]

where did you get the disc brakes from seawolf and esora

[SpringFever552]

I've got a 2002 ezloader with surge,single axle, replaced brakes 2 yrs ago with all new backing plate kits..the acuator started to weep on one side,so did both sides... just a thought??...how are you parking your boat trailer?? do you back "UP HILL" into you usual parking spot?? if so after unhooking look at the surge hitch to see if it has released the pressure on your brakes,if not your brakes could/will be "ON" while your parked for how ever your boats sits till next time out...

[Westcap19]

Yes..as Sf552 says....make sure your brakes are not left 'on' while parked. If you need to, while still connected, put a block in front of a trailer tire and pull the rig forward, just a bit, to ensure your actuator is not applying pressure. Otherwise things can seize up under pressure.

[Jencourt]

Hey thanks folks! Some good info starting to add up here. I will be pulling a wheel or four tomorrow to see what it all looks like behind the drum. After tapping the bearing buddies out what is the best way to put them back in? I am thinking a block of wood and a big hammer?? As far as I know they are just pressed in. Yes??

Ray