"BREAKAWAY BRAKES"

CACTUS · 01-10-2005, 04:10 PM

Got stuck in the mud and head to disconnect truck to get out. I left the trailer in the mud until the next day. When I went back to get the trailer with a monster truck I found the reason I got stuck in the first place. The breakaway
cable got pulled out and applied power to brakes. Question I can't take wheels off for at least another month, and I can't sleep thinking I damaged the brakes,
what our my chances they are ok? My batteries were completely dead.

TomW · 01-10-2005, 04:18 PM

The brake linings will be fine.

Unfortunately, the brake magnets & wheel bearings may have been damaged by the heat of the brake magnets after multiple batteries were drained.

I hope you did not have to tow it far after getting it unstuck.

Tom

markdoane · 01-10-2005, 06:02 PM

It can't be accurately predicted. Each magnet consumes as much energy (and heat) as a 40 watt light bulb. If the drums were buried in mud, I'm sure they got pretty hot!

wayner1239 · 01-10-2005, 06:29 PM

My breakaway switch was accidentally activated while the trailer was parked. It drained the battery. I pulled the drums and inspected the magnets but did not see any damage. The brakes work great. I guess I was lucky and hope that you are too.
Wayne