Tyres, Brakes, Wheels & Suspension - When attempting to tow my trailer after it had been parked for a few days the wheels would not turn. How can I release the wheels and how can I prevent the problem from occurring in the future?

FAQs

F.A.Q: Tyres, Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

Frequently Asked Questions regarding technical issues of the tyres, brakes and wheels used on our trailers.

10. When attempting to tow my trailer after it had been parked for a few days the wheels would not turn. How can I release the wheels and how can I prevent the problem from occurring in the future?

This is almost certainly a brake problem.

If the trailer is parked for extended periods with the handbrake applied, the brake linings can adhere to the drum surfaces. This can happen with all kinds of brake linings and is more likely to occur in cold, damp conditions.

Procedure for releasing a sticking brake:

1. Rock the trailer "to and fro" by reversing and drawing forward with the towing vehicle. An audible "click" would indicate that the brake has released.

2. If the brakes are still locked, draw the trailer forward with a helper observing the wheels to identify the offending brake(s).
The following procedure should only be carried out by a competent person. If you are in any doubt about your ability to carry out this work, you should contact your Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd dealer or our Customer Care team for advice.

3. "Back off" the adjuster bolt on the offending brake by 1/4 to 1/2 turn anticlockwise. Tap the lower area of the backplate using a soft faced or wooden mallet. If the brake has not released, jack up the trailer and remove the wheel assembly. Tap the brake drum with the mallet.

4. After releasing the brakes, re-adjust the brakes following the instructions in the user handbook supplied with the trailer.

After completing the above procedure, it is recommended that the trailer be towed on a short journey. The brakes should be applied as soon as possible after commencing the journey to ensure that they are operating correctly. Normal braking during the journey will burnish the brake linings and polish the internal brake drum surfaces.

To prevent the brake linings from adhering to the drums:

When parking the trailer for extended periods it is advisable to chock the wheels and release the handbrake. Note that if the trailer has been reversed into the parking position it will be necessary to draw the trailer forward slightly before placing the chocks into position. Ensure that the coupling drawtube is fully extended when drawing forward. This will disengage the auto-reverse mechanism and retract the linings from the drum surfaces.

- Updated: August 28, 2001
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Frequently Asked Questions regarding technical issues of the tyres, brakes and wheels used on our trailers.

10. When attempting to tow my trailer after it had been parked for a few days the wheels would not turn. How can I release the wheels and how can I prevent the problem from occurring in the future?: This is almost certainly a brake problem.

If the trailer is parked for extended periods with the handbrake applied, the brake linings can adhere to the drum surfaces. This can happen with all kinds of brake linings and is more likely to occur in cold, damp conditions.

Procedure for releasing a sticking brake:

1. Rock the trailer "to and fro" by reversing and drawing forward with the towing vehicle. An audible "click" would indicate that the brake has released.

2. If the brakes are still locked, draw the trailer forward with a helper observing the wheels to identify the offending brake(s).
The following procedure should only be carried out by a competent person. If you are in any doubt about your ability to carry out this work, you should contact your Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd dealer or our Customer Care team for advice.

3. "Back off" the adjuster bolt on the offending brake by 1/4 to 1/2 turn anticlockwise. Tap the lower area of the backplate using a soft faced or wooden mallet. If the brake has not released, jack up the trailer and remove the wheel assembly. Tap the brake drum with the mallet.

4. After releasing the brakes, re-adjust the brakes following the instructions in the user handbook supplied with the trailer.

After completing the above procedure, it is recommended that the trailer be towed on a short journey. The brakes should be applied as soon as possible after commencing the journey to ensure that they are operating correctly. Normal braking during the journey will burnish the brake linings and polish the internal brake drum surfaces.

To prevent the brake linings from adhering to the drums:

When parking the trailer for extended periods it is advisable to chock the wheels and release the handbrake. Note that if the trailer has been reversed into the parking position it will be necessary to draw the trailer forward slightly before placing the chocks into position. Ensure that the coupling drawtube is fully extended when drawing forward. This will disengage the auto-reverse mechanism and retract the linings from the drum surfaces.

- Updated: August 28, 2001
[Back to the FAQ]