Dragging brake caused smoking wheel wheel

[Rwalker]

I own a 2017 Montana, model 3661rl. Yesterday I was traveling south and hit traffic resulting in a two hour stop and go. Once I got back up to speed, I traveled 60 - 65 mph for approx. 30-minutes, I then stopped at a rest area. At this stop I smelled a hot wheel and confirmed it with a small amount of smoke from right front wheel. It was also hot to the touch. All other wheels were relatively cool. While waiting for a mobile service to arrive (they informed us it would be a two hour wait) I decided to remove the affected wheel and drum. When I took the brake drum off, the adjuster and bottom spring fell out. there was also melted material from the "electric puck". I reinstalled the adjuster and bottom spring - keeping the adjuster very loose so the brake shoes will not drag. I then put everything back together. I have since driven about 500 miles without reoccurrence. I plan to get this properly fixed when I arrive at my final destination. What could have caused this problem? Did the brake lock up in that wheel due to stop and go driving? Was I using too much "gain" at the brake controller?

[mlh]

I don’t think you did anything wrong. The brake may have been adjusted to tight to begin with or just had luck. You can buy the complete plate and brake shoes for less than the parts. You can install it yourself and save time waiting for someone else to do it not to mention a pile of money. You can do this you just did it. Good going!
Lynwood

[rohrmann]

What probably happened is the adjuster mechanism, which is a forward self adjuster, failed and in your stop and go time kept adjusting the brake shoes tighter each time you applied the brakes. It’s just lucky that the wheel didn’t get so tight that it just stopped turning. Your other brakes are probably working just fine. Once you get that brake repaired, and hopefully you check the others, you should be fine. This is a perfect reason why the drums should be pulled annually so the brakes can be inspected and then the bearings can be repacked and everything put back together and adjusted.

[Kyle and Lisa]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

What probably happened is the adjuster mechanism, which is a forward self adjuster, failed and in your stop and go time kept adjusting the brake shoes tighter each time you applied the brakes. It’s just lucky that the wheel didn’t get so tight that it just stopped turning. Your other brakes are probably working just fine. Once you get that brake repaired, and hopefully you check the others, you should be fine. This is a perfect reason why the drums should be pulled annually so the brakes can be inspected and then the bearings can be repacked and everything put back together and adjusted.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the adjuster only worked when you are backing up ?

[rohrmann]

That only occurs on older cars and trucks that have auto adjusters. The ones on these trailer axles are forward adjusters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1PaT3-QJ3s

[mlh]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

That only occurs on older cars and trucks that have auto adjusters. The ones on these trailer axles are forward adjusters.

I learned something. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks!
Lynwood

[beeje]

Be done with all the junk drum brake issues and get disc brakes installed. You will thank me later if you do.

[Rwalker]

Wow! Lots of good info here! Thanks everybody for the feedback

[Kyle and Lisa]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

That only occurs on older cars and trucks that have auto adjusters. The ones on these trailer axles are forward adjusters.

Thank you sir, that is what we have on our rig.

[Yoquedo]

Where can I get disc brakes installed in Houston ?

[beeje]

Don't know anything about the Houston area, but any reputable mechanically inclined shop/person should have no problem doing it. Try a large truck service center that work on over the road trucks like dump trucks Etc.

I have the receipt from the previous owner of my unit. Without looking I think they were around $3700 installed, about 1/2 parts 1/2 labor.

[mhs4771]

You could try contacting these folks as they seem to have Mobile Teams around the US:
https://performancetrailerbraking.com/
that will do the work right at your site.

[Sandra_David]

Thank you for the information.