Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > General Q & A
Trailer brakes locking up >

Trailer brakes locking up

Notices

Trailer brakes locking up

Thread Tools
 
Old 10-02-2019 | 02:44 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 311
Likes: 113
From: Oak Lawn IL
Default Trailer brakes locking up

The last two times I've had to tow my boat the trailer brakes were dragging after a few stops. The last time the brakes locked up solid and I had to crawl under the trailer and crack a bleeder to release them. The trailer is a 2004 eagle with tandem axle Kodiak disc brakes and titan surge tongue. Calipers, rotors and brake fluid were replaced last year due to wheel bearing failure. The brake fluid looks nasty, moisture contamination? Bad master cylinder? Any input is appreciated.
Franks292 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 02:51 PM
  #2  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 531
Default

Could be sticking caliper piston, surge brake cylinder. The nasty fluid is not helping. How old are the calipers? I went with the full stainless caliper and rotor kit 2-3 years ago. They still look like new. Worth the extra $$$.
underpsi68 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 02:54 PM
  #3  
Thread Starter
Registered
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 311
Likes: 113
From: Oak Lawn IL
Default

Originally Posted by underpsi68
Could be sticking caliper piston, surge brake cylinder. The nasty fluid is not helping. How old are the calipers? I went with the full stainless caliper and rotor kit 2-3 years ago. They still look like new. Worth the extra $$$.
they were replaced june of 2018. when I cracked the bleeder all 4 calipers released.
Franks292 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 02:57 PM
  #4  
F-2 Speedy's Avatar
Platinum Member
Community Builder
10 Year Member
Platinum Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,418
Likes: 3,938
From: Midwest & T-Rock
Default

Bad master cylinder? ...sounds like it to me
F-2 Speedy is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 03:08 PM
  #5  
Sydwayz's Avatar
Forum Regulator
20 Year Member
Super Moderators
VIP Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 24,203
Likes: 1,592
From: Worldwide
Default

Was it a disc brake system before, or did you change over to disks from drums?
Sydwayz is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 03:41 PM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Registered
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 311
Likes: 113
From: Oak Lawn IL
Default

Originally Posted by Sydwayz
Was it a disc brake system before, or did you change over to disks from drums?
Original disc. Replaced with OEM brakes from kodiak.
Franks292 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 03:47 PM
  #7  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 500
From: KY
Default

Originally Posted by F-2 Speedy
Bad master cylinder? ...sounds like it to me
Agree

Remove the master cylinder and disassemble, then clean and flush

If you have a backup solenoid, it may also be clogged up
AllDodge is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 04:03 PM
  #8  
Thread Starter
Registered
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 311
Likes: 113
From: Oak Lawn IL
Default

Originally Posted by AllDodge
Agree

Remove the master cylinder and disassemble, then clean and flush

If you have a backup solenoid, it may also be clogged up
Im gonna try to do that this week. I'd rather clean everything and flush it and try it before I just start throwing parts at it.
Franks292 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 04:40 PM
  #9  
Registered
5 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 593
Likes: 111
From: Western Pennsylvanoa
Default

Is the coupler returning to full out when towing
There should be some type of return spring that keeps coupler relaxed until braking.
solenoid is only active when backing up to release pressure.
My suggestion flush the fluid, but leaning towards master cylinder if coupler moves correctly.
PA.WOODCHUCK is offline  
Reply
Old 10-02-2019 | 05:34 PM
  #10  
Thread Starter
Registered
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 311
Likes: 113
From: Oak Lawn IL
Default

Originally Posted by PA.WOODCHUCK
Is the coupler returning to full out when towing
There should be some type of return spring that keeps coupler relaxed until braking.
solenoid is only active when backing up to release pressure.
My suggestion flush the fluid, but leaning towards master cylinder if coupler moves correctly.
I'm not sure. I gotta take it apart. Just wanted to get a few ideas here of what to look for.
Franks292 is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.