Hydraulic Brake on one wheel hanging up

[Jims5543]

On the trailer that came with my 1999 Challenger 1800. It has hydraulic brakes with the switch at the hitch point you swing to deactivate the parking / emergency brakes for towing.

I noticed when I was pulling the empty trailer the drivers side wheel was locked up and only when pulling forward. When backing it spun freely.

I threw the switch and backed up, hoping it would free up the wheel. No dice.

So I backed down the ramp, loaded the boat and pulled it out. The wheel was spinning and I could not feel a major drag on the tow vehicle. I only had a 10 mile trip home.

When I got home I felt the hub and it was too hot for my happiness. I just pulled the hub apart and cannot see anything out of order. I adjusted the brake shoes down as far as they would go and the fit on the drum is still too tight and drags a lot.

So, is the brake cylinder shot on this side, that is what I am guessing.

So, my next question is, where do I buy a new one? Actually 2 if one is acting up the other is probably not far behind.

And while I am in there I may as well do the brake shoes as well.

Any info or help will be much appreciated.

Thanks

jim

 

[LouDoo]

Try Etrailer on line, also Tractor Supply. It might be a good time to convert the electric brakes.

Lou

 

[Dr Honda]

I'll sell you a bunch of hydro break parts. I pulled all of it off my trailer, and went electric.


But, Lou is right. There are a bunch of on-line trailer parts shops, but if you have a tractor supply close... the have trailer brake parts.

 

[Jims5543]

Well, as much as you tout the electric brake setup, I am sure it is good, I decided to stay with what I had, since it is 15 years old and lasted that long. Keep it simple stupid was my motto.

I tore everything apart this morning and discovered I had Atwood brakes. So I googled the part number on the master and came up with this from etrailer:

This is a direct replacement for what is on the trailer now.

http://www.etrailer.com/p-85841.html

I also ordered the shock to do a "while I am in there" maintenance:
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Atwood/85830.html

Then, along the same mindset, ordered this replacement pushrod kit:
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Atwood/85852.html

Then I ordered new wheel cylinders for both sides:
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Redline/BP17-020.html

The pads are marginal so I am waiting until the end of next season to replace them. Then I should have 14+ years of problem free boating.

I toyed with the conversion to electric and just do not have the time, patience, or knowledge to wire it up and convert over. I am sure it is very simple but projects like that tend to turn into disasters for me.

I am happy just rebuilding what is already there and moving on.

 

[Jims5543]

Some pics for those who are considering this project.

If you have a EZ lube on your hub you need to knock it off, just tap from side to side to take it off.

Then remove the cotter pin, castle nut and washer. The bearing will start to feed out as you remove the hub / drum, which is one unit.

Now you have the drum brakes exposed, take a pic so you know where everything goes back, if you are unfamiliar with drum brakes.

Then I moved to the coupler. I removed the brake line from the master, then I removed the 2 large bolts to the rear, and pulled the entire assembly off and flipped it over.

This is what you see:
You can see the master to the right and the shock to the left. There is 1 more long bolt that need to be removed that will allow you to unbolt the master and pull it out.

Then flip it over the loosen up the 4 bolts on the top, be careful, once loose the brake fluid can leak out, have something handy to pout it into and some rags ready in case some spills.

Finally!! The elusive part # I needed to start ordering replacements!

As linked above, if you have a 1999 Challenger then you most likely have the same parts as I do. Once I source and order the brake shoes I will put a link up for that. It may be this time next year though. I think I can get another season out of these. It will be close but this isn't exactly a track day and I normally do not tow more than a couple of miles to the ramp so I am good.