Need trailer help

Persistance · 07-13-2009, 10:47 AM

Have a wheel that occassionally seizes up on a dual axle Express with rollers from the '90's(?). I just don't know much about trailers, are the bearings toast, or do I just need to flush the brake fluid? It has the compression style brake unit in tongue, thanks for any help, its only one wheel...Liam

ondarvr · 07-13-2009, 05:37 PM

To check the bearings jack up the wheel and spin it, it should be smooth and quiet, if its not have them replaced. If all is well with bearing, then the brakes may need work.

If you're not familiar with doing either job and don't want to get involved, then take it in and have it done.

You do need to have it looked ASAP though.

Persistance · 07-14-2009, 11:44 AM

So I lifted the trailer and the wheel would not turn at all, removed the wheel and drum would not budge either, checked brake fluid reservoir and it was empty, filled it, put wheel back on, drove around the block, then topped off fluid again, there's probably air in the system but I have a feeling the problem is worse than that. I cannot turn the wheel by hand but it didn't seize at all when I drove it around the block, thanks again for any help...

RiverMan · 07-14-2009, 05:54 PM

You need to either take the trailer in and have someone check the bearings and brakes on that wheel or find someone that can help you. Either the brake is stuck and preventing the wheel from turning or your bearings are shot................either way you need to get it fixed ASAP! Don't trailer that boat anywhere without getting that fixed or you may find yourself on the side of the road.

RM

Lead Bouncer · 07-14-2009, 09:14 PM

get it fixed. If you mickey mouse the repair or put it off, you are asking for serious problems. When a tire gets hot, they explode and they will take every lug nut with it, as it gets blown off the axle. The spindle could brake off at the bearings or you could have a fire.

baitsauce · 07-15-2009, 11:57 AM

Air in the system will not cause the wheel to seize up. Flushing the brake fluid won't help with a seized up wheel either.

Does the spindle (or center) get hot? If you can touch it without getting burned then the brake(s) are likely simply out of adjustment. Assuming its a drum brake system there is a start nut under the axel between the shoes than simply needs to be turned in. Depending on the manufacturer you may not even need to pull the wheel. A brake spoon or in the absence of a brake spoon a straight screwdriver will work.

If the spindle is hot but the drum is cool then change out the bearings.

I bet the brakes are simply out of adjustment otherwise the wheel probably would have come off in a very horrific manner by now.

Either way get it fixed before moving the trailer.

If you want to discuss via the phone PM me.

Good luck.

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