Trailer brake woes

[TNT]

Anybody tow a trailer w/vacuum over hydraulic disc brakes? I discovered that my trailer brakes were dragging all the time. I disconnected the vacuum lines and finished my trip. Picked up 2 mpg, hubs on trailer run much cooler, but scary to stop. Any suggestions?

 

[rob10858]

try changing the weight dist on your trailer we oldtimers used to call this a surge braking system. if your load is shifting or your trailer is hopping down the road , these hyd systems are only doing what they are supposed to do. try loading your trailer in different combinations , and get new brakes on your trailer, they are probably glazed and worn out.

 

[TNT]

more info

Thanks for the reply. But I don't have surge brakes. They are controled from the truck master cylinder. Also I discovered the problem when I was running empty.

 

[DennyDay]

Vacuum Brakes

You've got an internal vacuum leak in your controller. Probably dried out seal, allowing vacuum to partially apply the brakes when you don't want them. A squirt of lubricant on the seal may help to help the seal re-seat, but don't depend on it. Don't use too much lube because it will go to the vacuum pump, not get burned like it would on a gasoline powered truck.

Denny