Been there--done that, but with a Cobra!

I bought a Glider, used, in California. I noticed the bellows of the overrun
brake was collapsed, and asked the owner. he said-"I thought that was the
way nit was supposed to be" ! He was the second owner.

He had no idea when the tires were last changed, and I brought a set of new
tires, mounted and balanced, on the wheels from my other glider--same
trailer. The wheels turned freely.

Tried some "forceful" backing and braking--no luck. Checked drum temps every
5 mi for a few times and found them cool.. Proceeded home to Georgia
uneventfully.

At home, I pumped a "ton" of grease into the two Zerk fittings, and did
more backing and braking. It freed up easily. Then I removed the drums and
inspected the brake linings. I found them "fried" as expected. Fortunately
the hubs & drums, bearings, and fittings were fine. The "lockup" must have
come on gradually.

A new set of linings, and an adjustment, and I was back in business!

The moral of the story--do grease the tongue fittings at least once a year.
If the brake is stuck, remove the drums and inspect!

--
Hartley Falbaum
DG800B "KF" USA


"Mike Lindsay" wrote in message
...

The overrun brake on our Comet trailer is jammed in the "brakes-
on" position, and has defied all attempts to free it.

I understand there are nylon components inside the trailer
tongue, so we don't want to try the time honoured option of heating it
with a blow lamp.

Does anyone have any suggestions?
--
Mike Lindsay