brake wire at trailer wheel cut; how to test repair

[Rob Gramenz]

While searching for mouse access points, I noticed that the white wire leading to the brake on the left side of my 2018 Bambi Sport was disconnected. My plan is to reconnect the wires with a twist connector. How do I test for proper function of both left and right brakes on the trailer? I have no idea how long this has been the case. Probably should check the brake status in general, correct?

[Ray Eklund]

Rob.... I am the last person who should give electrical advice, 12 volt or 110 volt. I test 9 volt batteries with my tongue.

But... even a Neanderthal... has one way to TEST your Brake Wiring repair. Learned by experimenting and finding a broken wire on my 2006 non working brake, where the wire goes into the drum.

Get the wheel in the air, as if you are changing a flat tire. Have someone spin the wheel. Pull out the Break Away Switch. If the wheel locks up... quickly connect the Break Switch. Fixed and you are now experienced with this part.

While you are getting onto this. Do the same on the opposite side. Pull out the Break Away Switch... if this wheel locks, Reconnect the break away and celebrate.

Do not leave the Break Away Switch activated. Then... you will have serious problems. AKA? Brake Away Switch? Either name. Same Fix.

[TitusNW]

Rob,


Another option is to grab your trusty magnetic compass. Engage the Break Away Switch and when the compass is held close to your drum you'll see the needle swing toward the drum. Don't forget to replace the plug when done testing.

Steve

[Rob Gramenz]

Originally Posted by TitusNW

Rob,


Another option is to grab your trusty magnetic compass. Engage the Break Away Switch and when the compass is held close to your drum you'll see the needle swing toward the drum. Don't forget to replace the plug when done testing.

Steve

I'll try it tomorrow. Thanks so much. To be honest, it was very hard to pull the breakaway pin out and I've not done it until now. I need such encouragement and great advice. Tomorrow, the battery will be connected! And I will try the wheel spin test as well; as you might guess, I have never lifted the trailer with my bottle jack so here's my opportunity to practice it.

[jnm30327]

I strongly suggest you use Wago Lever nuts rather than wire nuts for the connection. The wire nut will eventually come loose. Also be sure the wire is far from the brake. I had to do this twice when the wire got caught in the brake while turning and broke the wire a second time. Use electrical tape to tape everything together.

I went a whole summer without one of the 4 brakes on my 28' with 2 axles. I couldn't figure out why the opposite tire on the axle was wearing quickly. Almost no tread left after the summer. If you want a gauge how long the wire has been disconnected, look for excess wear on the tire on the other side. It has been doing all the braking work.

[JCWDCW]

Originally Posted by Rob Gramenz

While searching for mouse access points, I noticed that the white wire leading to the brake on the left side of my 2018 Bambi Sport was disconnected. My plan is to reconnect the wires with a twist connector. How do I test for proper function of both left and right brakes on the trailer? I have no idea how long this has been the case. Probably should check the brake status in general, correct?

You can usually hear the brake magnet singing when brake is applied.The controller chops the DC into varying pulse lengths as it increases the voltage and you can hear the pulsing at the wheel.
As noted a compass works if you have one.

[albret]

Use a waterproof electrical crimping connector:

https://www.amazon.com/Haisstronica-...ail_img_1&th=1

Purchase a crimping tool or use plyers.

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by albret

Use a waterproof electrical crimping connector:

https://www.amazon.com/Haisstronica-...ail_img_1&th=1

Purchase a crimping tool or use plyers.

Good recommendation for reconnecting the wires. Where the wire enters the hub, I would protect it with a rubber grommet or tape, since the rubbing will eventually cut it.

Agree with Ray, jack one side, pull out the pin on the break away switch, try to spin the two wheels. If the connection is good they won't spin.

My brake away cable got caught in the hitch once, it pulled out the pin, and I burned two brakes as I drove a bit too far, but one wheel was perfect, it had a cut wire. They are worth checking. The other thing about break away switch cables, get the red spiral one, it won't snag and pull the pin (it cost me $$$ to learn that lesson).

[Steamy1]

I would only use a butt connector if the wire is cut outside on the backside of the brake backing plate.

In addition, I would suggest covering the butt connector with shrink tubing then the entire length of the paired wires with loom tubing conduit. Use zip ties to secure the wiring.

Make sure to include a small loop in the wires just before it enters the backing plate to absorb movement.

[Wayne&Sam]

At the end of last season I noticed my brakes were weak. If you don't do heavy braking, the auto adjusters don't always do their job.

So this spring I drove down a stretch of straight road and hit the manual brake control several times. That got the adjusters to work and braking was much better. I then checked the temperature of each wheel. Three were warm but one was at ambient temperature.

Checking the wiring to that wheel I found the factory butt splice came apart but you could see it because it was inside the shrink tube.

I repaired the splice with a Wago connector and wrapped the daylights out of it with tape.

Did another test drive and all wheels were the same temp.

[Rob Gramenz]

Thanks for your advice and teaching for this willing learner. I tried a tiny little compass that came attached to my ultralight backpack shoulder strap. My wife was a bit distracted and said she couldn't tell if the needle moved much or not. Since I wanted to practice using the bottle jack anyway, I did that method. She was very clear that the wheel did indeed stop moving when I pulled the breakaway. This forum is such a fantastic resource; I need to monitor it regularly myself to pay it forward. I've learned a thing or 2 after 16,000 miles on the road.