One trailer wheel overheating VERY hot!

[PamJohnZephyr]

Last spring we had all four brakes, drums and bearings replaced on our 2017 Salem 27RKSS. First use was a couple of weeks ago driving some 300 miles. Once parked, we noticed that the left front wheel was HOT. Heading home five days later, it again got HOT. Had a mechanic take everything apart to announce he could find nothing wrong with the brake or the wheel. He said if it gets hotter, I should clip the wire to that brake which I did. Got it home and had the trailer guys who did the original work look at it and tell me there is nothing wrong with the trailer, it must be the truck. Back from the dealer where I bought the 2018 Ram 1500 with the insistence that it's NOT the truck, it must be the trailer! Factory installed brake controller set at 4.0. Sorry for the long post but I figure we need as much info as possible to figure this out. Any ideas?

[Bama Rambler]

It's definitely the RV and not the truck. There's no way for the truck to affect one wheel/brake any more than another.

Did any of the people inspecting the RV manually check the brake shoe adjustment?
Did they clean and closely inspect the bearings and races?

When you clipped the wire, did that relieve the problem?
Or did that wheel still get hot?

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

It's definitely the RV and not the truck. There's no way for the truck to affect one wheel/brake any more than another.X2 The mechanic obviously doesn't understand how trailer brakes work!!

Did any of the people inspecting the RV manually check the brake shoe adjustment?
Did they clean and closely inspect the bearings and races?

When you clipped the wire, did that relieve the problem?
Or did that wheel still get hot?

Following

[PamJohnZephyr]

Yes, clipping the wire kept the wheel from getting hotter. The next day, the wheel remained as cool as the other three.

[PamJohnZephyr]

bearings and races were all replaced in the spring along with the brake shoes and magnets.

[Thomas ho]

1 wheel not braking wont effect trailer stopping that much.

[Bama Rambler]

Originally Posted by PamJohnZephyr

Yes, clipping the wire kept the wheel from getting hotter. The next day, the wheel remained as cool as the other three.

Then your issue is with the braking.

Before we blame that brake let's make sure that it isn't just that the rest of the brakes aren't doing their jobs.

Did you check the temp with a thermometer (Infrared or other)? If so, what was the actual reading for all the hubs?
Have you jacked up the RV and checked to see if all the brakes stop the wheels when manually applied?
When you clipped the wire, did it feel like the RV stopped as it should?

If it turns out to be that one wheel, it could have been assembled wrong when the service was done, and it could not be apparent to someone who isn't an brake technician.

If you're not familiar with the mechanical working of the brakes I suggest taking it to a local utility trailer place that will agree to look at it. Explain to them exactly what you've posted here and any other pertinent info, and I bet they will find the problem.

[PamJohnZephyr]

Yes, checked with infrared thermometer. Starting temps for all wheels was 73 degrees. After towing the trailer about 45 minutes on the interstate: RF 140, LF 200, RR 150, LR 117. All temps measured on the wheel one inch from the hub. The LF wheel was too hot to hold my finger on it for 3 seconds. Where I had the initial work done is a well-known reputable shop dealing with commercial vehicles and trailers. I guess I should try another shop.

[Bama Rambler]

From the looks of the temps you have one wheel braking hard and one not braking as hard. It's funny that they're both on the same side .

I would have a different person look at it. We learned years ago that you can't check your own work. If you missed something the first time, there's a good chance that you'll miss it when looking at it again.

[PamJohnZephyr]

Just dropped off trailer at another shop. They seem intrigued. Won't get to it until Monday. I'll report back. Thanks for the help!

[CraigBean7672]

On my trailer I found the wire ran down the drivers side to the front wheel then spliced to rear, then spliced again across to RF, then spliced again to the RR. I tested the voltage at each wheel and noticed a variance accross each wheel. To do this I had my wife step on the brake pedal while I checked the voltage at each backing plate. I needed to turn down the controller because the new connection was so much better after fixing the splices.

This may or may not be the culprit in your situation, if your RV is wired with spade connectors it is worth R&R those and checking your voltage at each wheel.

[lckeehne]

Originally Posted by PamJohnZephyr

bearings and races were all replaced in the spring along with the brake shoes and magnets.

I am living proof this is not good. I replaced brakes and bearings on my 5th wheel. I know what I am doing... so I thought....
From So Calif drove to Oklahoma, got near Tulsa and the bearings melted and wheel came off. Bearings started a fire on side of road. NOT GOOD.

What I should have done was check the bearings/ wheels for movement left to right. Lift each tire up off ground and pull / push from the sides to see if any movement. I could have saved myself $1,800 for new axle / brakes / hub...

I don't go any trip without doing the tire movement check... Then I also take infrared scanner and check hugs at each store. Temp should be close to each one except if in direct sunlight.

[D W]

OP didn't specify if self adjusting brakes were involved, but jacking up the LF and checking the brake drag would be the first thing that I would do.

[Harkerr]

I would carefully check the brake shoe adjustment on each wheel.
A dragging brake will quickly get hot.

[CedarCreekWoody]

The brake didn't drag and overheat after he clipped the wire so the problem is most likely not brake shoe adjustment.

[BikeFlagAZ]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

The brake didn't drag and overheat after he clipped the wire so the problem is most likely not brake shoe adjustment.

Better check those reading glasses:
‘ Yes, clipping the wire kept the wheel from getting hotter.’

[aceinspp]

Had a similar problem and what was happening is the electronic mag was not working properly making the brake stick after apply the brakes on the trailer. Ended up changing out that hub assembly and it solved the problem. Later RJD

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by BikeFlagAZ

Better check those reading glasses:
‘ Yes, clipping the wire kept the wheel from getting hotter.’

That's what I said.

[BikeFlagAZ]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

That's what I said.

Sorry, it’s my glasses that need checking.

[Chuck_S]

I'm waiting for the second shop opinion.

-- Chuck