2013 Jayco Eagle Super Lite HT with Self adjusting Dexter brakes

[Boubou]

Heard loud screeching noise coming from back of trailer while driving and noise goes away upon braking
Problem resolved itself for now, screeching gone.
I read earlier about backing up and self adjusting brakes.
Ours is a 2013 Jayco Eagle Super Lite HT with Self adjusting Dexter brakes.
We had a hard time backing into a site the previous night and lots of backing up while connected to truck (brakes)
Could it be the breaks over adjusted?
Or problem same as everyone here?
If so, safe to travel?

[RVhiker]

Originally Posted by Boubou

We had a hard time backing into a site the previous night and lots of backing up while connected to truck (brakes)
Could it be the breaks over adjusted?

According to Dexter, their self adjusting brakes allow the brakes to adjust on both forward and reverse stops as explained on page 6 in this pdf. It's the movement of the brake shoes that cause the self adjustment; if the movement of the shoe is not enough - that is, the brakes are properly adjusted - there will be no tightening of the adjustment, with either forward or reverse stops. At least, that's how its supposed to work.

[rwilley]

Originally Posted by RVhiker

According to Dexter, their self adjusting brakes allow the brakes to adjust on both forward and reverse stops as explained on page 6 in this pdf. It's the movement of the brake shoes that cause the self adjustment; if the movement of the shoe is not enough - that is, the brakes are properly adjusted - there will be no tightening of the adjustment, with either forward or reverse stops. At least, that's how its supposed to work.

I was under the impression that this was how it works also.

[Boubou]

If not caused because of self adjusting brakes, then what could cause this screeching? Noise was present while driving and stopped when braking.
Got dodge ram integretated brake controller checked and it's
Fine. Could not get a RV tech to come to our campground to check.
If no screech on way out, might it be just that the pads/break shoes got temporarly stucked?

[RVhiker]

Originally Posted by Boubou

If not caused because of self adjusting brakes, then what could cause this screeching? Noise was present while driving and stopped when braking.
Got dodge ram integretated brake controller checked and it's
Fine. Could not get a RV tech to come to our campground to check.
If no screech on way out, might it be just that the pads/break shoes got temporarly stucked?

I am NOT a mechanic, although on occasion I have filled in for one when I had to, usually when we're miles from nowhere.

Your shoes are not "stuck" because if so a wheel would not have turned and you'd know that happened. I think there's lots of reasons for brake noises, including dirt or rust on drums or shoes. Are your brakes working OK? Not too grabby but still stop the trailer? Do the drums get very, very hot or just very warm? Is one drum a whole lot hotter than the others?

Is this your first trip - maybe the shoes/drums are not "seated" yet: that is, worn together to fit perfectly. Did you say that the noise, for now, has gone away?

It's difficult for someone to diagnose from afar, and in the case of brakes that's probably not a good thing to do. If you're concerned that the brakes are not working properly, maybe a mechanic needs to look at it before you pull your trailer; on a weekend that's tough to accomplish.

Here's a thread with a discussion of brake noises and cures.

[Denise]

Originally Posted by RVhiker

Here's a thread with a discussion of brake noises and cures.

(That thread is a 2010 brake specific issue - turned out to be a bad "lot" installed on a few 2010's.)

[Boubou]

First trip was 6 hour drive there then 6 hour drive back.
This is our 2nd trip and drove 1500 km to destination ( in 3 days drive.did not drive all that way in one day).

Breaks seem to work fine, only apparent problem was the loud screeching from the back which went away when applying the breaks. After adjusting break controller, the noise went away. The noise lasted about 10 km and after it stopped, we drove another 10 km to ours destination and screeching was vone.
No pull toone side, no smell or smoke. Did not feel drums for temperature

[mcfarmall]

Anytime I stop, I walk around the trailer and feel the tires and wheel hub areas for unusual conditions. I also use my nose for burned up brake smells.

[Boubou]

Originally Posted by mcfarmall

Anytime I stop, I walk around the trailer and feel the tires and wheel hub areas for unusual conditions. I also use my nose for burned up brake smells.

Thanks for the tip, I'll certainly be doing that too from now on.
Brigitte

[Boubou]

Been on the road yesterday 5 hours and today 4 so far no noise. All seems well. Must have been dirt or a rock? Or the brake controller (computer update done at Dealership after noise).
Tires and breaks all feel the same temperature to touch.

[clutch]

Originally Posted by mcfarmall

Anytime I stop, I walk around the trailer and feel the tires and wheel hub areas for unusual conditions. I also use my nose for burned up brake smells.

I use a thermal sensor from Harbor Freight and check the temps of tires, bearings and brake drums. I do both the truck and trailer.

[Boubou]

Originally Posted by clutch

I use a thermal sensor from Harbor Freight and check the temps of tires, bearings and brake drums. I do both the truck and trailer.

Where is harbor freight? (live in Ontario Canada) and hos do you use the thermal sensor?
Brigitte