On Thu, 01 Jul 2004 11:03:24 -0700, Derek wrote:

On Thu, 01 Jul 2004 22:04:39 GMT, JohnC wrote:

I have a boat trailer with hydraulic brakes that keep chattering.
Upon disassembly and inspection the brake shoes are slick with black
stuff. After cleaning them down with alcohol and sanding them ( the
shoes) things are fine for a while, but then it starts again after
several more trips.
I dunk the trailer in salt water regularly. It does not appear that
grease is getting into the drum area from the bearing ( doesn't look
like it anyway.)
Any suggestions on whats causing this or how to prevent this problem?
Thanks,
John C.

From my old motorcycle days, I remember filing a 45 degree champher on
the leading edges of the shoes', to reduce chatter. I have no idea if
this works in practice or if it's an old wives' tale? It's a cheap
option.

If they work fine for a while after cleaning, try this AT YOUR OWN
RISK! With a hack-saw or Dremmel tool, cut a few very shallow grooves
across the shoes at 45 degrees. This will provide a gully for the rust
and shoe debris to "get out of the way", in effect, a simple self
cleaning system.


Can you tell which drum is chattering? Does one run hotter than the
other after several stop/starts?

I think they are both chattering. They don't run hot. They're just
grabbing and chattering because of the glaze that builds up.
I suspect that there must be some grease getting by the rear seals
causing this, but it sure doesn't look like it.
I wouldn't dare notch the pads with a dremel as you suggest.
Liability for one reason.
Ah well, I guess I'll get past this season and the replace everything
next spring and see what happens.
John C.