Trailer Brake Repair in Laval

Have your trailer brakes checked if you notice any of these signs:

• The trailer pushes the truck when braking, or the brakes seem to do nothing
• The trailer pulls to one side or a wheel locks up
• Grinding, squealing or knocking from a wheel
• One hub much hotter than the others after a trip
• Jerky braking, or braking that varies from one stop to the next
• The vehicle's controller reports an open circuit or a short at the trailer
• Fluid leaking near a wheel or at the surge coupler

Electric brakes are the most common on trailers and RVs in Quebec. A signal sent by the vehicle energizes a magnet in each drum; the magnet is pulled against the drum face and moves a lever that spreads the shoes.

• Magnets: wear and electrical resistance check, replacement when the face is worn or uneven
• Shoes and linings: replaced in pairs on the same axle to keep braking balanced
• Springs, levers and adjuster: replacement of tired parts and adjuster setting
• Drums: measured, then machined or replaced when scored, out of round or worn past limits
• Complete assemblies: replacement with complete backing-plate assemblies when part-by-part repair no longer makes sense
• Brake wiring: magnet wires, ground and brake circuit up to the trailer's 7-pin connector

After new shoes or magnets, the brakes need an adjustment and a break-in period before reaching full effectiveness: we explain it when you pick up the trailer.

Surge brakes work on their own: when the vehicle slows down, the trailer pushes on an actuator built into the coupler, which pressurizes the brake fluid. They are common on boat trailers and some utility trailers.

• Actuator and master cylinder: condition, leaks, damper and fluid level
• Lines and hoses: corrosion, cracks and fittings
• Wheel cylinders or calipers, shoes or pads, drums or rotors
• Complete bleeding of the system after repair
• Reverse lockout: check of the latch or solenoid that prevents braking when backing up

We also work on the electric-over-hydraulic systems of heavier trailers, which combine an electric signal with a hydraulic pump.

The breakaway system applies the trailer brakes if the trailer separates from the vehicle. It includes a switch, a cable attached to the vehicle and a small battery on the trailer. We test the switch, the battery's charge and capacity, the cable and the circuit, then replace whatever has failed. It is often overlooked on stored RVs.

Electric brakes work with a brake controller installed in the tow vehicle. The controller is wired on the vehicle side: our shop does not install it, just as hitch or wiring installation on the vehicle is not offered. We sell hitches and towing accessories, but installing them on your vehicle must be done by a hitch specialist.

What we do on our side: confirm that the trailer receives the brake signal at the connector, measure the magnet circuit and tell you whether the problem comes from the trailer or the vehicle.

We service the brakes on every format our shop repairs every day: light trailers (utility, enclosed, dump), medium-duty gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers with axles up to 18,000 lb per axle, and travel trailers. Because brakes work hand in hand with bearings, we also check hub play and grease during the job. Before a mechanical inspection, combine it with our pre-SAAQ inspection. Only looking for the part? See our trailer brake parts.