WT5HP/WTE5HP/WT5HPSG WATER TRAILERS • OPERATION MANUAL — REV. #1 (03/14/17) — PAGE 35
MAINTENANCE
ELECTRIC BRAKE ACTUATOR
The electric brake actuator (Figure 36) is the mechanism
that activates the trailer’s brake system. For electric brake
equipped trailers, the breakaway brake system includes a
DC power source, a switch with a pull pin, and a breakaway
brake controller. Read and follow the instructions that
have been prepared by the breakaway brake controller
manufacturer.
Figure 36. Electric Brake Actuator
Electrical-operated Hydraulic
Electric/hydraulic braking systems which are mounted on
the trailer, use a small electrically-driven pump to generate
hydraulic pressure, which operates the brake cylinders.
Like electrical brakes, an electric/hydraulic braking system
is operated by an electrical signal from the tow vehicle.
BREAKAWAY BRAKE
Breakaway Battery
This battery supplies the power to operate the trailer brakes
if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle. Be sure to
check, maintain and replace the battery according to the
battery manufacturer’ instructions.
Breakaway Switch
This switch causes the breakaway battery to operate the
electric brakes if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle.
The pull cable for the pull pin is connected to the tow vehicle,
and the switch is connected to the trailer.
To check for proper functioning of the switch, battery and
brakes, you must pull the pin from the switch and confirm
that the brakes apply to each wheel. You can do this by
CONNECT CABLE TO
TOW VEHICLE
BREAKAWAY SWITCH
trying to pull the trailer with the tow vehicle, after pulling
the pin. The trailer brakes may not lock, but you will notice
that a greater force is needed to pull the trailer.
Tow Vehicle Operated Electric Brakes
The electric brakes that operate in conjunction with the
tow vehicle brakes must be “synchronized” so that braking
is properly distributed to the tow vehicle brakes and the
trailer brakes. For proper operation and synchronization,
read and follow the axle/brake and the brake controller
manufacturers’ instructions.
To make certain an electrically-operated braking system will
function properly, you must have your dealer inspect the
magnets at least once a year, or each 12,000 miles. See the
brake manual for wear and current inspection instructions.
WARNING
If electric breakaway brakes do not operate when trailer
is uncoupled from the tow vehicle, death or serious
injury can occur. Check emergency breakaway brake
system BEFORE each tow.
Table 8. Electric Brake Troubleshooting
Symptom
Possible Cause
Solution
No Brakes or
Intermittent
Brakes
Any open circuits or broken
wires?
Find and correct.
Any short circuits?
Find and correct.
Faulty controller?
Test and correct.
Any loose connections?
Find and repair.
Ground wire secure?
Find and secure.
Weak Brakes or
Brakes Pull to
One Side
Grease or oil on magnets or
linings?
Clean or replace.
Connections corroded?
Clean and correct cause of
corrosion.
Brake drums scored or
grooved?
Machine or replace.
Brakes synchronized?
Correct.
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.
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