Brake noise

[SRD]

Getting trailer ready for the season. Hooked up to truck and as I headed slowly down the driveway my wife walking along side said she heard a rubbing noise. So she drove I followed and I could hear the brakes dragging. We had dropped the underbelly in the fall of last year for some maintenance and we’re very careful with the brake wires. So with the trailer plugged into the truck and no brakes applied I don’t hear the brake magnets buzzing. I do hear all four when brakes are applied. So am I right in thinking the wires are still good and that is not the issue. I have read that some dragging is normal,just have never noticed. Any advice is appreciated

[chuckster57]

From your description I would say you’re ok. Since it’s the beginning of camping season, it wouldn’t hurt to do your annual brake/bearing inspection/service.

[Pull Toy]

What Chuck said, plus you may have some surface rust on your brake drums from sitting all winter. This will wear off after the brakes are applied a few times.

Good luck,

[NH_Bulldog]

Likely rust from sitting. I spent the afternoon today pulling each wheel, repacking the bearings and adjusting the brakes. As I had each wheel up, I spun them and heard some gritty sounding noises. Once opened up, I wire brushed and hit it with compressed air before wiping down and reassembling. Then spun the wheels some more while adjusting the brakes. They are all smooth and no more gritty noises.

You don’t necessarily need to go as far as I did, but we put 10-15,000 miles a year on the trailer and this regular maintenance has kept us trouble free for 4 years now

[dutchmensport]

Yes, rust dust. The same thing happens with my dually truck when it sits in the garage for several days. When it sits outside for days, it doesn't do it, only after sitting inside the garage. I suppose the garage does not have good ventelation and humidity lingers in there. The other vehicle gets used all the time (daily driver), so never heard it there.

The first time you take the trailer on the road and hit the brakes 2 or 3 times, the noise goes away. It's normal.