PAGE 34 — WT5HP/WTE5HP/WT5HPSG WATER TRAILERS • OPERATION MANUAL — REV. #1 (03/14/17)
MAINTENANCE
Periodically check the actuator mounting fasteners for
damage or loosening. Inspect the actuator for worn or
damaged parts. As you are towing your trailer, be aware
of any changes in braking quality. This could be an early
warning of brake or actuator malfunction and requires
immediate attention. Consult a certified brake specialist to
make necessary adjustment or repairs.
ELECTRIC BRAKES
Electrically actuated brakes (Figure 35) are similar to
hydraulic brakes. The basic difference is that electric brakes
are actuated by an electromagnet. Listed below are some
of the advantages that electric brakes have over hydraulic
brakes:
Brake system can be manually adjusted to provide the
corrected braking capability for varying road and load
conditions.
Brake system can be modulated to provide more or less
braking force, thus easing the brake load on the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
Failure to maintain proper fluid level in the actuator
may result in loss of braking action which could cause
severe property damage, injury or death.
Table 7. Hydraulic Brake Troubleshooting
Symptom
Possible Cause
Solution
No Brakes
Brake line broken or kinked?
Repair or replace.
Weak Brakes or
Brakes Pull to
One Side
Brake lining glazed?
Reburnish or replace.
Trailer overloaded?
Correct weight.
Brake drums scored or
grooved?
Machine or replace.
Tire pressure correct?
Inflate all tires equally.
Tires unmatched on the
same axle?
Match tires.
Locking Brakes
Brake components loose,
bent or broken?
Replace components.
Brake drums out-of-round?
Replace.
Noisy Brakes
System lubricated?
Lubricate.
Brake components correct?
Replace and correct.
Dragging
Brakes
Brake lining thickness
incorrect or not adjusted
correctly?
Install new shoes and
linings.
Enough brake fluid or correct
fluid?
Replace rubber parts
fill with dot 4 fluid.
Brake system has very little lag time between the time
the vehicle’s brakes are actuated and the trailer’s brakes
are actuated.
Brake system can provide an independent emergency
brake system.
The model WTE5C (electrtic brake) comes standard with
a 6-pin connector for tow vehicle electrical hook-up. If
a 7-pin connector is required, order WTE5C with Part
No. EE55622.
Remember in order to properly synchronize the tow vehicle’s
braking to the trailer’s braking, can only be accomplished
by road testing. Brake lockup, grabbiness or harshness is
due to lack of synchronization between the tow vehicle and
the trailer being towed or under-adjusted brakes.
Before any brake synchronizations adjustments can be
made, the trailer brakes should be burnished-in by applying
the brakes 20-30 times with approximately a 20 m.p.h.
decrease in speed, e.g. 40 m.p.h. to 20 m.p.h. Allow ample
time for brakes to cool between application. This allows
the brake shoes to slightly be seated into the brake drum
surface.
Figure 35 displays the major electric brake components that
will require inspection and maintenance. Please inspect
these components as required. See Table 8.
Figure 35. Electrical Brake Components
Retractor
Spring
Actuating Lever
Backing
Plate
Primary
Shoe
Magnet
Secondary
Shoe
Hold Down
Washer
Self-Adjusting
Cable
Adjuster
Spring Adjuster
Lever
Adjuster
Assembly
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