Brake Controller

Submitted: Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 15:04

ThreadID: 79677 Views:2684 Replies:3 FollowUps:5

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lyndsay

Caravan has developed a fault/problem with brakes. When I apply brakes the van brakes grab and actually lock wheels momentarily and then it lets them off- this is with normal pressure on brake pedal. It makes the tyres squeal. I have no idea why this has started as I have not adjusted the controller and it is still set to the orange colour when brake applied. As far as I am aware there is nothing wrong with the brakes on the tow vehicle (Nissan Patrol) I think the brake controller is as Tekonsha but I am not sure about this.
The van had travelled only about 25,000 K's so the brakes should be OK
Am I correct in thinking it is the controller.
Who should I approach a caravan repairer, Auto electrician or other?
Hope someone can help me

Cheers

Lindsay

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Reply By: Roughasguts - Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 16:11

Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 16:11

With out the van on can you check the initial voltage at your trailer plug with a volt meter. Might need to extend the wires so as you can check the voltage as your driving to see if the inertia part has the problem. Or try and borrow a mates and see what happens.

AnswerID: 422273

Reply By: Cruiser 2091 - Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 18:38

Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 18:38

Have you tried readjusting the controller?

It could also be that the brakes need readjusting. They certainly should be looked at after 25000 ks.

AnswerID: 422286

Follow Up By: Member - Stuart P (WA) - Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 18:59

Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 18:59

check the gain on the brake controller

FollowupID: 692660

Follow Up By: Clanky - Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 21:24

Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 21:24

I have had the same problem previously.
Did all the usual checks, asking people etc
I bet its the brake shoes need adjusting, then all will be well

The reason is that with the extra shoe clearance when they wear, the magnet grabs on to the drum face until the slack takes up causing the initial grab.

FollowupID: 692682

Follow Up By: Clanky - Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 21:31

Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 21:31

Sorry forgot to mention that any mechanic can adjust the brakes, or yourself if mechanically minded.
I reckon this is the place to start as I guess you know how to setup your controller after 25000kms.
BTW I had a Tekonsha pendulum brake controller too

FollowupID: 692683

Follow Up By: Member - Brian R (WA) - Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 23:08

Sunday, Jun 27, 2010 at 23:08

I don't have the oppituniy to hook up much however when I do I set up the brake control as per instructions ...,,then I drive on a slight down hill gradient.....apply (manualy) on the brake control till I can just feel pull of the van ...and thats it

hope the same works the same for yo
u
Brian

FollowupID: 692692

Reply By: Member - Bucky - Monday, Jun 28, 2010 at 13:17

Monday, Jun 28, 2010 at 13:17

Lindsay
You may well find that your caravan brakes may need adjusting.
I had the same thing happen to me, some 3-4 years back, and found that when the brake was applied the actuation/swing arm was actually going "over cam"' in other words, the swing arm (inside the brake mechanism) had gone too far, and was real good at wacking down black marks, all over Vic, NSW, and NT, especially at the main roundabout at Alice Springs.
Once adjusted up the problem ceased.
Cheers
Bucky

AnswerID: 422363