Trailer brakes not always releasing

[lncoop]

Re: Trailer brakes not always releasing

I agree with guy. I have the posi-lube type system and it does a GREAT job of getting the grease in all the right places. However, in this case it wouldn't hurt to get a peek at the innards, that way you can satisfy yourself that there has been no damage to the bearings, spindle, etc. that could grow from minor to catastrophic on the highway. It will also be educational. If you've never seen it all apart you need to. Better to do so in a controlled environment than on the shoulder with cars whizzing by at 75 mph. Once you're ready to slap it all back together go ahead and pack the bearings the old fashioned way so you can say ya done it. Good luck Darol.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Trailer brakes not always releasing

I use sta-lube marine grease with my disc brakes and have never had a problem. I do have an electric/hydraulic actuator so I don't have a problem with the brakes being applied going down hills.

Does this happen after you are coming down a long grade? Is the trailer level? Is an equilizing hitch being used?

Sta Lube is what we've always used also. This happened while on a gradual uphill grade with a few light braking points and it was a cool middle 70's on the coast. And, as I mentioned, this all started after we stopped for a rest.

I think you can probably flush it back out at you, I have "sure lube" hub on my stock trailers, they seem to do a good job pushing most of the old out. But if the trailer is new to you, and you haven't been though the bearings yet, it might be a good time to take it apart and replace the seals while you are at it. I use the kind of grease I do mainly because all our equipment requires that grade, so we buy it 40 tubes at a time. As far as brake fluid, a good DOT 3 or DOT 4, normally whatever brand is availible, works for me.

We did the original greasing when we installed the hub, axles and bearings new about 3 years ago. They've got no more than 2000 miles on them. One wheel was hotter than the rest, so I'll probably tear into that one and see what it looks like and go from there.

Better to do so in a controlled environment than on the shoulder with cars whizzing by at 75 mph.

Been there, done that, and we all know it ain't no fun. So much nicer with the whole shop at you fingertips with some nice music playing and in the shade. Thanks to all for your help. I'm smarter for it.

 

[crossent]

Re: Trailer brakes not always releasing

I use sta-lube marine grease with my disc brakes and have never had a problem. I do have an electric/hydraulic actuator so I don't have a problem with the brakes being applied going down hills.

Does this happen after you are coming down a long grade? Is the trailer level? Is an equilizing hitch being used?

Some of the new trucks With the tow haul mode will make your surge brake kick in on long hills. A buddy got his brakes got so hot towing a malibu w/his f350 in tow/haul mode that it Blew the back seal off the oil-filled bearings. That was a mess.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Trailer brakes not always releasing

This is what I use. 500* minimum drop point.

I've seen hub temps above 300* (IR) and never had a problem. If your brakes never get hot - they aren't working. And electric brakes are no problem in Tow/Haul during long downgrades.

 

[guy74]

Re: Trailer brakes not always releasing

This is what I use. 500* minimum drop point.

I've seen hub temps above 300* (IR) and never had a problem.

I want to clarify something I said earlier, when I talk about marine grease I'm talking about a calcium soap based grease. The kind of grease used in low heat applications the have to repel water (stuffing boxes, exposed underwater fittings, ect.). The grease pictured above is a multi-purpose lithium based grease (not for sure if it has any real "marine" additives or is just a marketing thing), which would be fine in most applications, but will wash out easier than a true marine grease.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Trailer brakes not always releasing

I want to clarify something I said earlier, when I talk about marine grease I'm talking about a calcium soap based grease. The kind of grease used in low heat applications the have to repel water (stuffing boxes, exposed underwater fittings, ect.). The grease pictured above is a multi-purpose lithium based grease (not for sure if it has any real "marine" additives or is just a marketing thing), which would be fine in most applications, but will wash out easier than a true marine grease.

I've trailered over 50,000 miles, using over 100 different ramps (mostly salt). Don't like to mix grease and I can get it easily. YMMV.

 

[guy74]

Re: Trailer brakes not always releasing

I've trailered over 50,000 miles, using over 100 different ramps (mostly salt). Don't like to mix grease and I can get it easily. YMMV.

I was saying your choice or grease was a good one, I just use a common #2 lithium EP grease, probably simular to yours. My experiences with marine grease has been in stuffing boxes on large waterpumps, and the undercarriges of those pumps. The whole point of my post was that a true marine grease only has a dropping point of 150-160 degrees, and won't work well in wheel bearings.