The trailer is a 1990 Trail-et two horse straight-load trailer, with dual torsion axles and electric drum brakes on all four wheels. I did my annual spring maintenance, which includes repacking all the wheel bearings and cleaning the rust off the brake components and readjusting so they operate smoothly. The brake shoes have plenty of pad remaining.

When the brake controller is actuated in the truck, I can hear the magnets entergizing/humming inside each wheel drum, along with an 'electric vibration'. However, the brakes grab only very slightly; the wheels still turn easily by hand when jacked up. Normally I am able to adjust these brakes so the wheel locks up completely.

I clearly am getting electricity to all four wheels, but am not well versed enough to figure out why the brake action is so weak. Do the magnets wear out over time? Any advice is welcome.

⟐ Commented June 28, 2025 at 16:23 MST

⟐ Answer accepted February 24, 2018 at 12:29 MST