Trailer Brakes HOT after adjustment

SoCalAngler · 10-10-2022, 05:32 PM

Hello all-

Recently completed a bearing pack, bearing seal replacement, and brake adjustment. I can't imaging the heat being caused by the bearing grease packing.

Hub adjustment:

Hubs were tightened, then loosened a little so that wheel spun freely and there was no play in hub when moved in/out.

Brake adjustment included:

Backed out shoes from adjustment port to where the brakes locked up. Then backed out about 5-7 clicks to where there was a mild scrape/sound feel.

I tested brakes by driving around under tow for approx. 5-10 miles braking hard and also using my Tekonsha brake lever to brake hard (not at the same time). I did hard braking doing 30-40mph. I did this to adjust my Tekonsha gain setting and to be sure brakes did not lock up on a hard stop.

After the drive, I pulled over near my home and went back to touch brake drums. They were very hot to the touch...all 4.

Can the slight drag from adjustment be the cause of the excessive heat?
Is it from the hard braking several times?

If drums are hot from not adjusted properly (tad too open), would the 5-10 miles of hard braking and hot drums have caused damage to anything?

Thanks!

**chuckster57** · 10-10-2022, 05:42 PM

If you installed new shoes and drums, then you did right as they need to “burnish” in. They will be hot to the touch. You need to use a laser temp gun and post temps on all 4 drums. It doesn’t take much for you to burn your fingers and the drum he within specs.

I would say you didn’t hurt anything.

SoCalAngler · 10-10-2022, 06:33 PM

Did not replace shoes, nor drums. They were both still good. Just adjusted as described.

**chuckster57** · 10-10-2022, 06:47 PM

Get a temp gun and try again. I’m thinking your good.

**flybouy** · 10-11-2022, 01:03 AM

LikeChuck said, get some temps. An infrared thermometer can be bought for few $$ at HF or on-line. What may be "very hot" to one may be "warm" to someone else as it describes a perception. The brakes are cooled by air circulation.

Without air blowing over the drum it takes longer for the heat to dissipate. Repeated hard stops without sufficient speed/time to facilitate the cooling can cause heat soaking. This is why when descending a long steep grade you shouldn't "ride the brakes" in any vehicle. Like Chuck stated, from your description it sounds like you should be ok.

skids · 10-11-2022, 04:18 AM

You used your brake controller to slow the tow vehicle and the trailer as I interpret your post. That will create a lot of heat. I noticed that when I first start out on a trip, the trailer brakes are a little less effective than when they warm a bit (thermal expansion effecting tolerances?)

SoCalAngler · 10-11-2022, 04:00 PM

Did anther run today...

About the same ambient temps...78F

5-10 miles with normal braking.

ALL 4 drums (and measured at each shoe area - 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock) were between 92F-93F except for one shoe area on one wheel. The secondary shoe (3 o'clock position) on right rear wheel measured 99F-100F

NOTE: They were all warm to the touch, but no where near as hot as yesterday.

Thoughts?

**chuckster57** · 10-11-2022, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalAngler

Did anther run today...

About the same ambient temps...78F

5-10 miles with normal braking.

ALL 4 drums (and measured at each shoe area - 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock) were between 92F-93F except for one shoe area on one wheel. The secondary shoe (3 o'clock position) on right rear wheel measured 99F-100F

NOTE: They were all warm to the touch, but no where near as hot as yesterday.

Thoughts?

Drive it and enjoy!!

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