Surge Brakes Pulsate/Vibrate

[brad10281]

Lately I noticed that my surge brakes will pulsate or vibrate (don't really have a better way to describe it) when I stop. It usually only happens for a couple seconds but it was much worse the other day on the expressway when I had to hit the brakes harder than normal. It pulsated for pretty much the entire length of the stop.

Any suggestions on where to start troubleshooting? I figure I'll start with the shoes and drums. What else should I check?

 

[midway]

Just a question, are you sure it is the surge brakes and not the antilock system on the tow vehicle. Not knowing how hard you hit the brakes and the road condition at the time the tow vehicle could have been trying to lock the wheels and the antilock was pulsing making you think it was the surge brakes. If it is the surge brakes on the trailer you could be looking at warped drums causing the surge.

 

[Banagy]

Brad, I had and have the same problem since it was new in March 2006. The dealer had installed all new drums, cylinders ,shoes, and any else shorelander authorized. Problem is still there but not as bad as before fix were completed.

 

[brad10281]

Thanks guys. The road conditions were fine and the braking wasn't too hard...just harder than normal...plus I was driving 70mph compared to the 55mph that I usually drive since I don't need to get on the expressway normally. Anyways, it was definately the trailer causing the vibration. I guess a better description would be a "fast vibration" definately not the same as the ABS pulsating.

I'll be sure to check my fluid, if its low and air got into the system could that cause it? I'll be ripping the drums off tonight to clean the system and adjust as necessary. If need be, I'll take the drums in to have them checked if a good cleaning and adjustment doesn't fix it. I've had the trailer since 2005 and it just started happening this year.