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Topic ClosedBrake trouble, right wheel get hot

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VeroSail View Drop Down
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Joined: 17 Jul 2018
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Brake trouble, right wheel get hot
    Posted: 18 Jul 2018 at 6:26am
I own a R-pod 2018 178 and got many troubles with it since purchase last year July 13th.

Since about a mount I noticed that the right wheel get heating after a short ride, more than the left side that seems normal.  I told that to my dealer who answered me to look at the bearings.  I did my job this week end and found the bearings in perfect shape on both side, but signs of break heating in the right side.
Yesterday I went to my dealer with my R-Pod, and they told it needed only to be adjusted.  So they cleaned the breaks (what I did last week end), adjusted the right wheel more loose to turn as free as the left side, and adjusted the trailer breaks with the Jeep and the electronic box inside the Jeep.  

I went back home and noticed the problem is not fixed, the right wheel is still too hot, and if I jack the r-pod and turn the wheel, I can ear a noise of friction inside the drum. When I do that the Jeep is not connected to the trailer, and it is the same if the jeep is connected with the cable on.  So, exactly the same situation I noticed before going to the dealer.

Called back immediately the dealer, and they told me that I can change the breaks both side for conventional non automatic breaks and that will fix my problem.  

I am a little bit disappointed because I don't want to pay for something that broke before the end of the warranty, and the dealer did just not find it... and more than that, it appears the dealer doesn't know how to fix it without changing the system.  

Also, it look like as if this is a common problem with these Lippert automatic breaks and they don't know how to solve this.  The dealer admitted that last year, a brand new R-Pod just delivered form the factory arrived with a burned wheel and that was a break failure...

Is anybody have a solution how to fix it without changing the system?


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mcarter View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2018 at 7:36am
First - you did an excellent job of detailing issue. Sometimes we don't get that:) From you post I take it this is a recent problem, so I assume something has changed. That could be pads, springs, magnets etc. The magnets can fail, springs can weaken. It is obvious readjustment did not alleviate the issue. Also the force that a brake puts against the drum is determine by the current of the magnet. If I were your brake person, I would have readjusted the brake and then test drove to ensure it wasn't over applying. Once I did that I would know the brake isn't working and the failed component needs to be isolated. You can jump the brake control at the 7 pin trailer connector to apply a brake signal and physically watch what brake does. At the 7 pin with alignment lug at top, the 12V is at the 11 position and the brake control is at 7.

Here's a link to the Lippert Brake Manual:
https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/support/manuals/Axles%20and%20Suspension/Electric_Brake_Owners_and_Service_Manual.pdf

If you're not comfortable with your dealer, I suggest you find a reputable brake technician. There's procedures to check every component to include the magnets for proper amp draw.

Here is a link to etrailer to check brake magnets:
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-testing-trailer-brake-magnets-for-proper-function.aspx

We'd like to hear back from you, not everything is fixed in a single post. Bottom line is your brakes can be fixed, just need to find a tech that will take on the task.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2018 at 7:37am
Go to a brake shop.  Here in Nashville there are specialized brake and bearing shop that will take you in and fix a problem the same day.

Worth checking: Make sure your break-away brake switch is pushed in (not on).

TT
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 12:03pm
Downshift and save your brakes.
Outdoorsy Marc
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 1:13pm
You can downshift until your blue in the face and it won't help a sticking brake.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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VeroSail View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 2:06pm
Of course, downshifting would not help for this problem, there was friction inside the drum even if the trailer was not connected to the brake cable.

I went yesterday to see another mechanic place in St-Hubert, near Montreal and they found my dealer did not adjusted it properly.

They explained to me that the new automatic brakes on the R-Pods adjustments are made in the reverse side than the old conventional manual brakes.  It means that the dealer tried to loose the wheel, but they tighted it up... Making more friction and grip.   It appears that only one wheel was breaking on the trailer because of this lack of adjustment.

To make sure and to reassure me, the guy tested the magnets and looked at all the components of the brakes to make sure all was working well.  After the adjustment, I went to a one hour test drive, speeding on the highway, driving in city, braking at the stops and many red lights... And no more heating.

Went back to the garage, take the temperature, both wheel were normal temperature, Yey!!
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 2:59pm
Unfortunately, the service department at some dealers hires people who do not bother to learn about the systems they are trying to "fix" and end up making things worse. I'm glad you found someone competent to fix what the other "mechanic" messed up.
StephenH
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 3:53pm
Excellent Verosail, a good brake tech is a valuable asset. Happy you got that fixed. All makes sense to me.
Mike Carter
2015 178
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 4:25pm
My message taken out of context. If you learn to downshift, you save your tow vehicle and camper brakes in first place.

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 4:32pm
Thank you guys for your support, wish you great vacations with your Pod ;-)
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