Now hiring top technicians! Click here

Book your Service or Repair Now!

Be prepared for the road ahead. Special Offer

How do you know when your trailer needs new brakes?

Sep 28, 2020 | Trailer

What are the telltale signs the brakes on your trailer are worn and it’s time for an inspection? After a trip, or, once per year is wise. Even if the brakes have had little use, load and weight may cause uneven wear on your braking system.

Some obvious signs that your brakes are in need of replacement include noise, pulling, pulsing, and pedal depression during braking. In extreme situations of brake failure or brake component failures, your wheels can lock up while traveling, causing severe tire damage and it will smoke out drivers traveling behind you. This is what happened to the customer of this project. Fortunately for the client, nobody was injured. However, to get the trailer to Pro World, the customer disabled the brakes (not advised!) by draining the brake fluid from the reservoir. What this means is that the client was traveling with a trailer that had no active brakes which was not only illegal, it was unsafe.

Once Joe cracked into this project he said “The bearings are in shambles and partially seized, which is what rendered these brakes unmovable. I dealt with one that was so bad one time, the wheel actually came off the axle”.

After Joe cleaned all the debris out of the hub he had to make certain the spindle didn’t have any bad grooves which is what the bearings will ride on. Because brake pads are porous and there was grease all over the old brake pads, those had to be replaced along with the bearings. As you can see from the images below, the backing plates were heavily rusted and also had a significant amount of grease on them. Therefore bearings, brake pads, seals, races, and brake plates all had to be replaced. Often, it’s more cost-effective and better for the braking system to install new backing plates. The brake lines were old, brittle, and leaking, so we replaced those too.

Most importantly, when you perform brake replacements on an axle, both sides have to be replaced. When you hear or feel the first signs that something isn’t working right, it’s time to book an appointment for an inspection. If you are uncertain and have questions about your brakes, feel free to call us. We’re here for you. Learn more about trailer services here.

https://youtu.be/prmsXKgwaT0

 

Airstream Buff & Shine

Buff and Shine: Restoring a Tired Airstream to Its Former Glory Transforming a neglected Airstream requires dedication and meticulous care. This particular 30-foot trailer sat idle for over 30 years, accumulating layers of grime and oxidation. Restoring its iconic...

Vehicle & Trailer Restoration

Many people today are interested in purchasing older RVs and trailers that have unique and nostalgic qualities. We understand the attraction, and enjoy working on all makes and the earliest models. For some people, their purchase is an obsession and they will stop at...

The top 10 things that go wrong with trailers

TOP 10 THINGS THAT GO WRONG WITH TRAILERS A lot can go wrong with your trailer, and you won't even know it! Here are the top 10 things that should be checked at least once per year, or following a trip. You don't want to incur unnecessary expenses on trailer repairs...

THE RIGHT ADVICE FROM OUR FRIENDLY TEAM

Protecting your investment and keeping you safe wherever you travel is our top priority. Our expert staff will advise you on the best options before any work is done.
Preventative maintenance and care will put more money in your pocket and keep all systems running smoothly: electrical, plumbing & refrigeration, HVAC, hydraulic, and more. Experience body damage or need new paint? With our Pro Body Shop with Paint & Fabrication Services, you won't notice it ever happened.

Get a FREE insurance estimate from our experts and Book an appointment today!

The RV experts

Click here to view our full range of services to keep the wheels rolling

trailer specialists

Be prepared for a smooth drive with professsional trailer services

trailerable boats and watercraft

Winterization, maintenance & repair, custom fabrication & consoles, gel coating and more

Protection from the top down

Get Roof Preventative Maintenance for tip-top assurance. You'll avoid expensive and unexpected repairs or even replacement.

Includes: Inspect the roof seals. Seal the front and rear caps and roof fixture seams. If we discover extensive water leaks are present and require work beyond our standard preventative maintenance, you will receive a new estimate. Side molding seams are not included.

RV REFRIGERATORS – WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN IT STOPS WORKING

The refrigerator in your RV is an essential appliance, and it can be a major disruption to your travel plans when it stops working properly. If yours has stopped working the way it should - read on. How is an RV refrigerator built? First, it’s important to understand...

Crater Lake or Crystal Crane Hot Springs

Spring Break is coming up, and if you don’t have anyone to travel with, NO PROBLEM! Single and solo female travel is where it’s at! Have your own adventure!From Pro RV Repair’s very own travel writer, Beth Bauer. The first time I traveled solo, I went BIG! I bought a...

Why RV Roof Maintenance Can Save You Thousands In Repair Costs

Motorhome, trailer, and camper roofs are commonly neglected. Without regular maintenance, you’re likely to have a shorter life for your RV roof. Roofs take a beating from the weather, and depending on the climate you live in and how your RV vehicle is stored, sealants...

Mobile Medical Bus – Hood River, Oregon

We receive a lot of requests to update older buses, RVs, and trailers. Restoration for older motor coaches and busses often entails upgrades or replacements related to the 5 RV Systems - Electrical, HVAC, Propane, Refrigeration, and Plumbing. Another common issue is...

Will insurance cover RV roof replacement costs?

When does your insurance cover damage to the roof of your RV? It all depends on the type of damage, how long it was there, and how well your RV was maintained. If there’s neglect to your vehicle, and damage wasn’t addressed early, the situation will worsen which may...

The Joy of RV Camping on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula

Anytime is a good time to RV camp on the Long Beach Peninsula of Washington State. The weather is milder than it is in other parts of the state, and even in the winter, storms can provide for dramatic wave viewing at Cape Disappointment State Park or wash up old...

Bend RV repair acquisition

For Immediate Release Vancouver, WA -- February 4, 2021 On January 1, 2021, Pro World Industries Owner and CEO, Mike Montgomery, acquired his second RV repair and fabrication facility, Bend RV Repair, located at 62980 Boyd Acres Road, Bend, OR 97701. Combined, the two...

Leaky roofs wreak havoc

One of the most common issues with RV’s is a leaky roof. While you may think you can leave your recreation vehicle out in the elements like you would a small vehicle, this is a huge mistake. RV’s and trailers have large seams that weaken over time, due to the elements...

Airstream Buff & Shine

Buff and Shine: Restoring a Tired Airstream to Its Former Glory Transforming a neglected Airstream requires dedication and meticulous care. This particular 30-foot trailer sat idle for over 30 years, accumulating layers of grime and oxidation. Restoring its iconic...

Jet ski repair – Serious damage for serious fun

Damage to the hull of a jet ski is pretty common. If left unchecked, over time, more damage may occur with cracks spreading, further weakening the hull. Here's what this damaged jet ski looked like when it arrived. This is not a minor repair, but for our Expert...

As always, RV Pro came through again. They chased down an electrical issue I had with my class "C" and they finished a day early! The staff is very friendly and the Tech explained what he found and left the defective parts for me to see.

Bob T - Google Review

Need something else? Contact us at our shop 

1677 NW Gardner Road Prineville, OR 97754

Mon-Fri 8 am–5 pm
Sat-Sun Closed

Telephone

(541) 416-0169

 

Palazzo paint

20 things you MUST check before heading out on the road

Get the exclusive info you need sent directly to your inbox

Email sent, check your inbox!

Pro World Newsletter

Join the Pro World News Newsletter

Get RV news you can use, and be the first to receive special offers.  

Email sent, check your inbox!