(Solved:) Front Brakes not Working

[Galway Girl]

It appears that both FRONT brakes are not energizing.  

Based on other posts, I'm assuming I should rewire to avoid using the lines that run through the front tube.

If that doesn't work what's the next step?  I saw another post about the wires all being mashed together and soldered under the street side bed before they head out thru hull.

Tips?

Craig

 

Edited May 2 by Galway Girl
Solved

[jd1923]

22 minutes ago, Galway Girl said:

It appears that both FRONT brakes are not energizing.  

Given only FRONT with rear trailer brakes working, I cannot see you'd have open wires inside your hull. I would get under your Oliver and check for any visible damage to the wires. Check for voltage there, with either TV connected and truck brake depressed, or by connecting 12V at the harness, B+ to blue/brake wire) and B- to white/ground (if I'm remembering the colors correctly).

If you have voltage there (which you should have given the rears work) then you have confirmed wiring internal to the hull is good. Then check for voltage in-between each brake drum. Could be an open ground to the front brakes too. You could also have a burnt magnet or wire harness internal to one of the front drums, so next step is to get inside and test for voltage and ground inside each front drum. 

While you're in there set your self-adjusters to get the brake shoes nice and close!

[Galway Girl]

Problem Solved:  Bad Crimps on New 3 way crimp connectors

I had bought new brake and hubs for the trailer and had the installation done at the same place doing our Truma Recall.

I looked more closely and used a check light to trace power to the new 3way crimp connectors (for the new brake assemblies.)
They didn't look fully seated on the fronts the same as the rear.

Squeezed them with a pair of channel locks and voila, now the front brakes on both sides are engaging.

 

Since I was under the trailer I went around and manually adjusted all 4 brakes to the same resistance.
Next I'll be burnishing in the brakes as we begin our next trip.

Craig - Hull 505 - Galway Girl

 

Edited May 3 by Galway Girl

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Galway Girl said:

I had bought new brake and hubs for the trailer

Yep, always look at the most recent service for a current issue. Good you found it quickly!

[Galway Girl]

linked to the after story.   See embedded fail note. 

[Geronimo John]

On 5/2/2025 at 1:28 PM, jd1923 said:

Check for voltage there, with either TV connected and truck brake depressed, or by connecting 12V at the harness, B+ to blue/brake wire) and B- to white/ground (if I'm remembering the colors correctly).

Voltage is not ALWAYS a sure bet.  When not under load, a wire may show full voltage, but not have the ability to pass the current to meet the need.

My preference, which is a lot easire to check on drum brakes, is to check the amperage going to each drum.  Having a clamp on amp meter is my first go to tool.  Per dexter, the stock OEM drum magnets should show 3.2 to 4 amps each.  

GJ