Several surge brake issues

[jimvw72]

I just recently bought a 1996 21 foot Stratos bass boat with an E-Z loader trailer that I believe came with the boat. I'm pulling my boat with a 2006 Ford F-250. I am having some surge brake issues:

1) When I brake, it doesn't take much at all to lock up the trailer brakes. (sometimes not much more than a hard downshift!) It feels like the truck is barely braking and the trailer is skidding.

2) When the trailer brakes lock up, only the drivers side wheel lockes up.

The trailer has drum brakes. I checked the fluid and it apears to be about 1/2 to 2/3's full. I'm not even sure what the fluid is supposed to look like or what fluid you put in it!

Any advice would be great!

Signed,

Trailering for dumbies

 

[EsoxRanger]

Re: Several surge brake issues

Pull the brake drums off. If I were a betting man I would bet the drivers side has a small leak from either the plumbing or the wheel cylinder. Always replace wheel cylinders in pairs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Several surge brake issues

Since surge brakes are self modulating, they should never, under any circumstances lock up. So the reason they are has to be a problem with the linings which most likely is that they are saturated with brake fluid due to a leak or the inner wheel bearing seal has popped and the drums and linings are contaminated with grease making them grab. There is also a shock absorber in the coupler that if defective can cause the brakes to overreact on initial application.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Several surge brake issues

....and to add to Silvertip's suggestions:
Check that the shoes are not UNDER-adjusted (that is, TOO much clearance to the drum). This condition will cause the leading shoe to "cam-lock" to the drum. Also, a defective brake hose will cause a similar problem.

FWIW...Ed in 'ol Virginny