Brake Drums Hot

[AllanH]

The brake drums on the off-side of my 655 twin axle new caravan get hot after towing for only 10 to 15 miles. The near side remain cool. The workshop has looked at the brake system twice and it is still as bad. I have observed myself that the brakes are quite free when jacked up. Note it's an AL-KO chassis.

What do you think? Does anyone who has a twin axle have a similar problem? Should I worry about it?

 

[MikeP]

You should always worry about this sort of thing, as it looks as though the brakes are binding. As well as increasing fuel consumption it can cause the drums, and thus the wheels, to heat up. In extreme cases it could overheat the tyre and increase the risk of a blowout.

As it's a new caravan keep going back to the dealer until it is fixed. Do they have much experience of twin axle brakes? That might be the key. If the brakes are free when jacked up, perhaps the overrun mechanism is sticking, or perhaps the offside brake cable is routed incorrectly?

 

[cris_408518]

From experience that is not right or good!

If you can tow the vehicle without applying the brakes say between two motorway junctions and one drumis warmer tha the other. Start talking sternly to your dealer.

Or call 01926 818669 and ask Al-Ko as this is wrong and you are likely to experience severe problems!

 

[BigRoy]

It is normal to have some heat build up on brake drums because of how they work (friction)

If one side remains cool then it would suggest that the brakes on the cool side are not working properly

 

[AllanH]

It is normal to have some heat build up on brake drums because of how they work (friction)

If one side remains cool then it would suggest that the brakes on the cool side are not working properly

Hi, Big Roy, Thanx for your input. It gives me another way of looking at the problem. Very interesting. Lateral thinking! Great!

AllanH