View Full Version : Dragging Brake - Advice Needed
I recently purchased a new Ranger 620 with a tandem axle trailer that is equipped with surge brakes (disc) on the rear axle. I noticed that one wheel gets noticably hotter than any of the other three. I jacked the trailer up and found that the "hot" wheel doesn't turn as freely as the wheel on the opposite side. Additionally, I found that the oil level in the COOL HUB remains unchanged. Believing that the disc brake on the right side is not fully disengaging, I opened the bleeder valve to release any pent up pressure - no change. I am now welcoming any and all suggestions!!!
The entire rig is under warranty, but the dealer tells me that it will be at least a week before he can look at it.
Dave
chadk66
07-03-2002, 09:10 PM
Sounds to me like the bearing nut may be over tightened. Try backing it off a little and then spin the wheel.
ebijack
07-04-2002, 05:52 AM
if the bearing tension is OK. 2 things come to mind, wrong pads or the piston in the caliper is (stuck/cocked or just plain bad)i'd replace the caliper. i'm pretty sure its a regular auto caliper. you could just replace the piston/seal/"o"ring, i prefer to replace the unit as an assembly. imho
hope that helps
perchjerker
07-04-2002, 05:52 AM
I would try backing off the star adjuster for that brake. Probably just a wee bit overtightened. If it was an older trailer, there could be other troubles, but if its new, its probably just not adjusted properly.
Oops,I see its a disc brake. This doesnt apply, then. I agree with the above post, and it might also be the caliper is hangiing up on the slides. I would try to retract the piston into the bore and see if the piston moves easily and also if the caliper slides freely. Also check the pads to make sure they are installed correctly, sometimes there are notches in the outboard pad that fit into the caliper, maybe one of them is not seated properly.
Calif Bill
07-05-2002, 01:12 PM
make sure the caliper mounting plate is square to the axle. The caliper should line up with the rotor.
Bill
slip_bobber
07-07-2002, 12:18 PM
It may sound odd but the first thing that should be done is to bleed the brake system. Air in the system can cause the brakes to "drag". This can be done Just like a car except instead of pumping the pedal you must pump the acuator with a screwdriver through the small hole on the bottom of the coupler. You have to hold up the brake reset tab while you pump the acuator.