No Brakes Going Forward
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
No Brakes Going Forward
I have a tandem axle trailer with 12" Dexter electric brakes and I have noticed that I have almost no stopping power going forward but when I apply the brakes going reverse they grab and stop as if I slammed on the brakes. I have tested the voltage to the magnets and it is good. Am I missing something here? Well, that's obvious. Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: N. Georgia
They may just need adjusting. Jack up one side, spin the wheel and apply the brakes. If it does stop fast with no load you'll need to adjust the shoes. I adjust them out until they are just rubbing the drums when you spin them by hand.
Joe
Joe
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Meriden Ct
Sounds to me like they may be in backwards. Pull one of the wheels and see if the magnet arm wraps around the front of the spindle. If not they are backwards. When testing the brakes, around 3 volts the brakes should be locked, so if you put 12 volts to them and there not locked something is very wrong. If they are in backwards, unbolt the backing plates and swap sides. Please let us know what you find.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
It also sounds either backwards or possibly the one of the shoes came off of the mount and has gotten lodged so that it only works one way. Best and safest thing to do is take the wheels and drums off and visuallt inspect the brakes.
Toyman
Toyman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Thank you for your replies!! I pulled the drums and much to my surprise the arms wrapped around the back of the spindle!!!! Great!! I also found that the previous owner had welded the backing plates to the axle!! Guess I'll be working a little late on this one. 
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
