Electric brake problems

[hrcarver]

I have a 10 yr old deckover trailer that has electric brakes. Only one tire acts like it has any brakes. I have adjusted all 4 brakes and it didn't make much difference. The one that works properly is the first that the power gets to, the rest are wired in line from there. The other three will all slide on grass, but not the road (empty trailer and braked turned all the way up). Could the voltage not being getting to the the others as strong for whatever reason? Any other ideas? I figured they just needed adjusting, but that was not it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Could be bad connections between them. I would re wire it from the first brake on. If that is not it its time to check the shoes and magnets.

Chris

 

[hrcarver]

Three questions...

Do they "trip" when they wear out?

I was under the assumption if the brakes tighten up properly when adjusting, the brakes are still good. Right or wrong?

What should I look for as a sign of being worn out (shoes/magnets)?

 

[oliver1555]

Each magnet should draw 2.5 - 3 amps if wiring is of adequate size. Just another thing to consider checking.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Shoes will get grease on them if the seals are bad. Its then time to replace. Only way to know is open it up.

Chris

 

[MillWeld]

I The one that works properly is the first that the power gets to, the rest are wired in line from there.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but it the wiring order doesn't matter because they are wired in parallel; they all "see" the same voltage.
Bob

 

[Lil_FarmerJim]

My suggestion is check the grounding on each wheel. I've had 2 trailers that had a similar problem and it was a simple ground wire that had rusted. The electrical potential was reduced and it caused the brakes to not work as well and on one not at all.

The ground wire should be connected to the trailer frame right at the brake for each wheel.

 

[Soundguy]

if it is using taps, I'd rewire. also, might pay to add something mor ethan the (possibly) 14awg plain flat ribbon trailer wire under there they may be using.

or at least double it up..

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but it the wiring order doesn't matter because they are wired in parallel; they all "see" the same voltage.
Bob

yes but.. if each parallel ckt adds another crimp conector.. it can start loosing good connection fast.

insufficient grounding is always an issue I see too.

soundguy

 

[hrcarver]

if it is using taps, I'd rewire. also, might pay to add something mor ethan the (possibly) 14awg plain flat ribbon trailer wire under there they may be using.

or at least double it up..

soundguy

Umm, what's a tap?