Trailer brakes seized!!

johnny_h

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4 Apr 2008
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Thinking about getting the boat back in the water and tried moving her on the trailer today but the wheels are solid.

It's a small 5.5m powerboat which I trail, launch and recover. The trailer is an Admiral with drum breaks - I rinse out with fresh water after use but the wheels look pretty corroded and nothing is moving on her right now.

How can I fix this and how can stop it happening in future. This is my third year with the boat (bought from new) and each year I've felt as though this might be the last time since there's always an unforseen problem which costs money/time to fix.

I got the tyre/wheel off but I can't see how to get the drum off or to get at the brakes. I've wiggled the cable and hit everything with a hammer and tried pulling with the car (back and forward). I've now run out of ideas and patience.

Any thoughts, help or experience on this would be most useful and appreciated.
 

mlines

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I have a similar set-up.

I know you have said you tried moving it with the car forwards and backwards but I would have a determined go backwards.

The shoes are typically of the "leading/trailing" type and are therefore weaker in the backwards direction. I gave mine quite a jerk backwards and they released with a loud bang.

Getting the drum off typically involves knocking of the metal cap in the centre of the hub and then undoing the large nut.

The only "trick" is to never leave the handbrake on. I avoid all use of the handbrake where possible. I only had them stuck on this time as it looks like some helpful person walking past mine in the yard pulled the handbrake on at somepoint.

Martin
 
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colingr

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Especially the no handbrake rule. Only ever use it for very short use on slipways etc. NEVER NEVER NEVER for long term storage.
 

me2

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Try removing the brake cable from the back of the back plate , disconnect the brake cable from the plate on the axle, pull the cable (the whole thing)until the two cups on the back plate come apart , unhook the nipple from the compensator , the brake will now be free , get new cables and all should be ok.
 

ValleyForge

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If your lucky there could be a big nut on each backplate - this is a tapered bolt which adjusts the shoes in & out. Undo or even take out then bash about. You'll then be able to get the drums off & fettle the insides. Not a pleasant job !
 

omega2

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brake drums

After removing the split pin and nut, it will now depend upon where you apply the "hammer" I find that striking the drum on top and underneath, were the shoes will be in contact with the drum, and a large lever between the brake plate and drum, keep repeating top and bottom, it should come off in a crab like fashion, be ready to catch the tapered bearing, this will come out first.
 

me2

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Its the brake shoes that is holding the hub on , you have to get the cables out they are stopping the brakes coming off and holding the hub in place. I work full time on trailers and most of the time its the cables that stop the brakes working they just rust up.
 
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ValleyForge

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How do I get the drums off? I can see the nut and I've lossened that but what holds the outside of the drum to the rest of the wheel?

Your drums are probably not like those on a car (ie held to the hub with the wheel bolts & a couple of little screws - If its like mine the drum is the hub itself - take off the bearing bolt (big un with a split pin) & pull it off. A puller will be useful (Halfords if you haven't got one) there will be a couple of bearing rings too which you can clean up & inspect.

Hope that helps !
 
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