disc brake binding - only in reverse direction

Socrateur

One of my wheels spins easily in the forward direction but not in reverse. In reverse, it binds and cannot be rotated without significant effort. The inside brake pad is causing it to bind and I see that the pad has some play in it. The movement is lateral to the rotor, not in and out (perpendicular) to the rotor. I can move the pad a little by hand and that frees up the wheel to spin, but only when I hold it just so. Is there a way to adjust the pads so that there is not this contact with the rotor, short of removing and disassembling the caliper? I have non-vented tie down disc brakes.

Adeline · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2010 9:09 pm Post subject:

Socrateur · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2010 9:29 pm Post subject:

I should have mentioned I have electric over hydraulic, not surge brakes, sorry. The other wheels don't bind this way.

RProffer · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:25 am Post subject:

It is kind of hard to say what is wrong without taking it apart. Usually, the problem I see is the caliper binding - not moving from side-to-side. Usually they can be cleaned and lubricated. You are talking about binding when backing up. That sounds like one of the bolts for the caliper has backed out or the mount has broken. You really must take the assembly apart to find the problem. If you are not familiar with working on brakes, I recommend taking it to a mechanic you trust. Working on brakes are easy, but if you do not know what you are doing, and you do something wrong, you could lose your boat or worse.

journey on · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 10:22 am Post subject:

Jay,

What kind if trailer do you have. Since it's a 2005, I'd assume an E-Z Loader? Since it's 5 years old, I'd recommend checking both the brakes and bearings, as described here: Trailer Bearings

I assume you have brakes similar to Kodiak. Pull the wheel, and the brake caliper. There are 2 ea bolts holding the caliper on. You can look at it without disconnecting the hydraulic line. The problem then may become obvious. If not ask a trailer repair shop. Sounds to me as if your pads are worn. I replaced the pads on the trailer a year ago so yours may be due. Check the bearings while you're in there.

It's not easy but just keep working at it. If those lug nuts haven't been removed in 5 years, that's the hardest part. Use a good impact wrench.

Boris

Socrateur · Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:20 pm Post subject:

Update: Upon removal of the caliper from the rotor and then compressing the pistons to check for movement, it was evident they aren't working properly. Basically, they're frozen and don't move in and out, so now I know what the problem is. Thanks to SeaSpray Steve for meeting up with me and giving me a tutorial on trailer brakes. Thank you, Steve!