Vibration from trailer brakes

[travism]

Hi all - I get a bad vibration when the trailer brakes engage. They are surge drum brakes. I tried to adjust the brakes using the adjustment screw in the backing plate to get the brakes just barely rubbing as the wheel turns. I noticed that the brakes don't rub consistently as the wheel is turned as if the wheel isn't "true". Could this be my source of vibration and is there a fix that someone could walk me through? Any other ideas of what to check? Otherwise the trailer seems to pull fine. Thanks.<br />Travis

 

[burp]

Re: Vibration from trailer brakes

Sounds like it's time to drop the brake drums off and get them turned. An egg shaped brake drum will cause uneven braking.

 

[travism]

Re: Vibration from trailer brakes

So this is something that I should be able to take off the trailer and bring it in rather than taking the whole trailer to the shop? I'm nervous about trailering too far with ill-performing brakes. Thanks again.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Vibration from trailer brakes

You can remove the drums and take them to an automotive machine shop to have them turned. This would be the time to service your bearings also. And check the rest of the brake components.<br /><br />It's possible that there is another problem causing the vibration. I had one of the adjusters fall off and grind itself to death inside the drum.

 

[travism]

Re: Vibration from trailer brakes

Thanks again for the reply. I do not have experience with working on brakes but am willing to learn. I've seen pictures of backing plates, but don't really understand how everything else fits together. I believe there is a bearing buddy system on the hub. If is possible to walk me through what I'll need to do to get the drums off I would appreciate it. I also plan on repacking the bearings which I've never done before, but have a packing tool from the local parts store. Any advice that can be given in advance is much appreciated as I won't have a computer around to consult with when I'm doing this project. Thanks.<br />Travis

 

[Lou C]

Re: Vibration from trailer brakes

www.championtrailers.com<br />look in the tech articles