Trailer Brake & Coupling Fault Finding | Fix Sticking Brakes
- Brent
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Trailer Fault Finding: Coupling & Brakes Gone Rogue? Here’s What to Check
Trailer brakes and couplings can be fussy things. One minute they’re working fine, the next your trailer feels like it’s trying to plough a field sideways. Whether it’s sticking brakes, overheating hubs, or a hitch that’s giving you grief, here’s Brent’s guide to finding and fixing the most common brake and coupling faults before they ruin your day (and your tyres).
When Your Brakes Won’t Budge
Ever tried to tow off and realised your trailer’s going nowhere? You’re not alone. One nasty issue that’s cropped up over the years is brake linings sticking to the drum, especially after sitting around damp or unused. Sometimes the wheel won’t even turn — it’ll just drag like a stubborn mule.
Why? Well, since the late 80s, brake linings have changed from asbestos to sintered metal, and it turns out they can literally bond themselves to the drum under the right (or wrong) conditions — especially if left damp, parked on grass, or dunked in salt water.
Here’s how to stop that happening:
Don’t park with the handbrake on for long periods, particularly in damp or wet conditions. Instead, leave it off and chock the wheels.
Use it or lose it — brakes that sit unused often seize. Get your trailer out and rolling occasionally, or have it serviced regularly.
Boat trailers beware — salt water and brakes don’t mix. Rinse them off and service them more often (check out Boat Trailers: Additional Operating Advice for more).
If your brakes have already bonded to the drum, you can sometimes break the bond by tapping the drum with a hammer after backing off the adjuster — just to get it moving. But once it’s home, get that hub stripped down and cleaned properly.
Common Brake & Coupling Problems (and What They Mean)
Brakes Overheating
Possible causes: Over-adjusted wheel brakes, dirty drums, or a handbrake left on.
Fix: Clean, adjust correctly, and make sure the handbrake’s releasing properly.
Weak Braking
Possible causes: Misadjusted brakes, glazed linings, or a sticky drawtube.
Fix: Clean, re-set, and check all clearances. If the drawtube’s bent or dirty, sort it.
Jerky or Uneven Braking
Possible causes: Worn damper, oval brake drums, or kinked Bowden cables.
Fix: Replace damaged parts and re-set brake balance evenly.
Reversing Difficult
Possible causes: Brakes set too tight.
Fix: Loosen and re-set.
Handbrake Weak or Excessive Travel
Possible causes: Incorrect setup.
Fix: Adjust the system and eliminate excessive movement.
Coupling Problems
Possible causes: Dirty or worn coupling head, damaged towball, or seized pin.
Fix: Clean and grease regularly. Replace worn components before they cause stress fractures or unsafe towing.
If you’re getting banging or knocking when braking, your damper is likely toast — replace it and re-adjust the brakes.
Hot Brakes? Check Those Bearings
If your brakes have overheated at any point, don’t ignore it. High heat cooks the grease and can destroy the bearings inside your hubs. Always strip, inspect, and re-grease after an overheating incident — or replace the bearings entirely if they’re rough or scorched.
When in Doubt, Get It Looked At
If you’re still having repeated brake or coupling issues, or your trailer just doesn’t feel right, contact the axle or brake manufacturer’s service department. They can help identify whether you’ve got a component mismatch, misaligned coupling, or something more serious.
Final Word from Brent
Keeping your trailer’s brakes and coupling in good nick isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety. A sticky hub or dodgy drawtube can turn a quick tow into an expensive recovery. Give it regular love, keep it clean, and don’t park it wet.
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-Brent
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