Brakes - Midland SIDE DUMP GRAVEL TRAILER Operator's Manual

5.2.8

BRAKES

All components in the brake
system must be maintained in
good condition for the system
to perform at top efficiency. It
is recommended that brakes
and associated components be
checked, serviced and maintained
per the Preventative Maintenance
Schedule (PMP) for the trailer.
In this section, the basic brake
disassembly and assembly
procedure will be covered. Refer
to the axle manufacturers service
manual for a more detailed repair
and rebuilding procedure.
Check brakes frequently to keep
them in top condition. Poorly
maintained brakes will not stop
the trailer as effectively as well-
maintained brakes and in the
extreme could fail completely
Fig. 55 BRAKE SYSTEM
leaving no brakes or no ability to
stop the unit.
It is recommended that the driver checks the brakes
at least once during each working day when checking
tire pressure and performing a quick visual of the
unit. Place your hand on each brake drum to check
the temperature of the drum. All drums should be
approximately the same temperature if the system
is functioning properly. If any drum is significantly
warmer or colder than the rest, it indicates a problem.
Determine the cause of the problem and correct it
before resuming work. By discovering and correcting
it while it is a minor issue; major repair, expense and
down time can be prevented.
At 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or every 3 months when
the axle is raised off the ground for the complete
wheel end inspection, check the brakes at the same
time. When the wheels are turned by hand, the
wheel end should decrease speed slowly. If it does
not, the brakes could be dragging or there could be
a problem with the bearings. Dragging brakes will
also be detected by hot drums during the daily drum
temperature checks. Adjust the brakes to correct the
problem.
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