Cable brake setup on rebuilt car trailer - hot hubs!

[BrettInUte]

Im looking for some advise.
While Ive rebuilt/repaired/busted a lot of trailers before this is the first Ive had with cable brakes.

I rebuilt the trailer recently - including putting a new A frame onto it.
That meant re-routing slightly the pulley that directs the cable around the leaf spring and onto the front axle drum brake.
Brake shoes were re-adjusted.

The brakes do pull up well now.

But.....

1. I find I need to adjust the cable when ever I change loads - as the change in suspension height tightens/slackens the cable a lot.

2. And even once adjusted - Im getting REALLY hot front hubs after long trips. Even though the cable is NOT being run over tight.


any tips ?

[hiluxmad]

if it is requiring re adjustment if the suspension height changes i would say that the bumps in the road ie. trailer bouncing is causing the brake to drag.
probably try to find a way to route the wire so that the bounce doesnt affect it as much????

[Athol]

1. I find I need to adjust the cable when ever I change loads - as the change in suspension height tightens/slackens the cable a lot.

2. And even once adjusted - Im getting REALLY hot front hubs after long trips. Even though the cable is NOT being run over tight.

This is something I really hate about cable brakes on trailers.

I agree with hiluxmad. The suspension movement as you drive along the road is almost certainly causing the brakes to come on and off.

What you really should have is inner and outer cables between the chassis and axle, so that the cable tension is not affected by suspension movement. Essentially, the same as a car handbrake.

[BrettInUte]

What you really should have is inner and outer cables between the chassis and axle, so that the cable tension is not affected by suspension movement. Essentially, the same as a car handbrake.

Thats a perfect solution...
(Why didnt I think of that !!)


Just an outer + some kind of anchor bracket for each end of the outer.
Adjustment is done at the coupling end. that makes it simpler.


Can anyone suggest a suitable donor model ?

[want33s]

Can anyone suggest a suitable donor model ?

Without getting something custom made, I'd be looking at Vans like Merc Vito or Sprinter or similar.. Maybe even small trucks like Dyna/Canter/Trader.

[jessie928]

Can anyone suggest a suitable donor model ?

Without getting something custom made, I'd be looking at Vans like Merc Vito or Sprinter or similar.. Maybe even small trucks like Dyna/Canter/Trader.

you need to change the LAST pivot point of the cable before the actual caliper, it needs to be furthur towards the front of the trailer so its not effected as much.

Jes

[BrettInUte]

you need to change the LAST pivot point of the cable before the actual caliper, it needs to be furthur towards the front of the trailer so its not effected as much.

Jes

I thought about that when I set it up.
the pulley is about 5 inches forward of the front spring hanger.
Does that sound reasonable ?