Trailer brake is stuck

[Sodo]

One of my electric brakes is stuck on my dump trailer.
The wheel won't turn at all, it's real - real stuck!
Trailer un-plugged of course.

I tried rolling it forward and backward but it's kinda soft ground and it skids the wheel.
It has a bit of weight on it, and some traction... it's not just "slightly stuck".

So how can I get the hub off?
Is there any way to release a stuck electric brake from the outside?

 

[George2615]

Try removing the wheel, then tap on the drum with a hammer. Sounds like the pivot arm with the magnet that swings has rusted in braked position. Also check your breakaway switch to make sure the pin hasn't pulled out. Also disconnect the trailer brake battery.

 

[Sodo]

I've been using the trailer a lot in the last 2 months, and twice yesterday.
When I drive it I always test-activate the brake using the controller on my truck dashboard.
That way I am certain the brakes will work if I need them.
And I worry thgat the 7-pin plug may have fallen out etc, so I'm always confirming that the brakes are working.
Also I have a steep downhill that I use the engine & 4-Lo to descend.
For that hill I always use the dash brake-control.

Anyway, all that to say..... it's not brake shoes rusted stuck to the drums.
But it sits in a very humid environment and the backing plates are real rusty.
So you're saying hammer shocks might release the magnet arm?
I will try that.

In this internet pic..... it looks like theres a hole in the backing plate that you can pry on the actuating arm.
I will try that.

 

[Hay Dude]

I just did brakes on one corner of my 38,500lb gooseneck.]
Shoe cracked and wore out drum.
It was a sumbeetch getting the 12-1/4” drum and hub off

Can’t believe the prices for Dexter parts.
$650!

 

[George2615]

There are videos on YT on how electric trailer brakes work which will show you what is inside and how the magnet pulls an arm to engage the brakes. In your high humid environment its highly possible the arm may have rusted in the on position applying the shoe to the drum.

 

[airbiscuit]

Can you back off the adjuster?

 

[garry1p]

That won't help if it's stuck.
However, back it off and hit the drum with a hammer that may loosen it up.

 

[4570Man]

Are you sure there’s no power going to that hub from the break away switch or something?

 

[4570Man]

I just did brakes on one corner of my 38,500lb gooseneck.]
Shoe cracked and wore out drum.
It was a sumbeetch getting the 12-1/4” drum and hub off

View attachment 1777419


Can’t believe the prices for Dexter parts.
$650!

View attachment 1777417

Heavy duty electric brakes are freaking expensive. I was wondering what it would cost to convert to hydraulic disk vs pads and drums on all 4 when the day comes that my trailer needs it.

 

[nisaacs]

There is a good possibility you have a wheel bearing sized.

If in fact, you do have a brake locked up, you might be able to unbolt the backing plate and pull the whole works off.