Trailer wheel locked in forward free in reverse-help

[wberryment]

Hi,<br />I went to get my boat the other day and I can back the trailer with both wheels spinning freely. When I try to go forward the passenger side trailer wheel is locked. I jacked up that side and indeed it is locked. I've tried to pump the actuator and made sure there was fluid in the master cylinder. I've loosened the bleed screw and moved the actuator and got fluid coming out. What in the world is causing this wheel to lock in the forward direction?<br /><br />Thanks for your help.<br />wayne

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer wheel locked in forward free in reverse-help

Rusted, Broken, Bent,.........<br /><br />Either the Brakes are Bad,..........<br /><br />Or,... The Bearings is Really Bad..........<br /><br />There's Only 1 way to tell,......<br /><br />Ya Gotta take it apart,+ Look...............<br /><br />Welcome to the forums here at iboats.........

 

[wberryment]

Re: Trailer wheel locked in forward free in reverse-help

Thanks for your response. I'm going to do that tommorow. At first I thought that I might have a hard time since the thing wouldn't rotate forward. But now that I think about it I can rotate it couterclockwise so I know the brakes aren't binding on the drum and the wheel cylinder hasn't froze the pads against the drum so the drum should come off easily. I also can't turn the adjusting nut with a brake adjuster tools so thats another sign that something is amiss. I just don't know what could have made it lock like that when it was just sitting there.<br /><br />wayne

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer wheel locked in forward free in reverse-help

You may have a leaky wheel cylinder that has contaminated the brake shoe with brake fluid. The forward rotation of the drum actually assists in the application of brakes which is why the parking brake in your card holds better in the forward direction than reverse. If the brake shoe is contaminated it has a tendency to grab the drum and lock it up. Doesn't happen in reverse.

 

[cp]

Re: Trailer wheel locked in forward free in reverse-help

If you've got hydraulic surge-activated drum brakes with the free-backing feature, your starboard side wheel cylinder is frozen in the 'out' position. This situation manifests itself in exactly the symptoms you have. You'll have to replace the wheel cylinder; there's no repairing it.<br /><br />If your brake drum has a lip, you'll have a hard time getting it off because the brake shoes will be in the 'out' position. If you absolutely cannot back the adjuster off (there may be a spring lever atop the 'star' wheel to keep it from moving), then you may want to leave the tire on to give you more leverage as you rotate and pull to wiggle the drum off - after you've removed the spindle nut and bearing of course. Be sure the trailer is securely supported.<br /><br />Remember to free up the adjuster before reassembling and liberally grease it to reduce the likelihood of it freezing up again.<br /><br />Consider looking at the port side brakes since you'll already be 'in the mode'. If the wheel cylinder and adjuster are frozen on the starboard, the port may not be far behind.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer wheel locked in forward free in reverse-help

When (free backing) drum brakes are engaged, the wheel will turn backwards but not forwards. There is a problem with the brakes on that wheel. It could be the brake cylinder is stuck or it could be a mechanical failure of any of several parts. One way to screw up drum brakes is to back into a parking spot while the brakes are wet and leave the tow vehicle/trailer parked that way for a day or two. By backing in, you leave the brakes engaged and two things can happen. One, the shoes can stick to the drums, and two, the master and wheel cylinder bores are exposed to air and can corrode. Always remember to pull forward to release the brakes. Ask me how I know ! <br /><br />As posted above, you have to get the drum off to find the problem.<br /><br />My advice is to seriously consider the replacement sets sold at boat and trailer dealers. You get a pair of pre assembled backing plates with all new shoes, springs, cylinder, etc. for about $140.00. Unbolt the old, bolt on the new, connect the brake lines, bleed, and adjust, and you have new brakes.<br />

<br /><br />BTW: I see the source pictured has raised the price significantly since I replaced mine about a year ago so shop around.

 

[wberryment]

Re: Trailer wheel locked in forward free in reverse-help

Thank you everyone for your help. It is nice to know that people are willing to take their time and help.<br />I took the thing apart and found that the wheel adusting mechanism and the wheel cylinder were froze such that they were not able to work properly. Now I have to get those parts and replace. Getting that cotter pin out of the bearing buddy was a b#### but I got it.<br /><br />Thanks again everyone,w<br />wayne