24cindy24

Okay... well, my dodge has been running really good after my first little dilema right after we bought it..... But now when you are pulling a trailer the rear brakes on the passenger start smoking and puts off a really horrible smell.... I ain't got a clue what is wrong... they already replaced the wheel seal thinking that was the problem but it still is doing it.... The silly thing is it doesn't do it everytime just some and only when you are pulling a trailer and only on the passenger side. WHAT IS WRONG...?????

rockwithjason

Sounds like a sticky caliper to me. I bet the added stress of stopping the trailer causes the smoke as the rotor overheats. If you have drum rear brakes you can upgrade to the chevy wheel cylinders and that will help.

Geico266

This is a "do not drive" situation. Over heating the brake like that can certainly damage the brake and components. Get it to the shop if you cannot fix it. ASAP!

John Faughn

After checking the caliper check the parking brake cable make sure it moves freely in both directions.

chasd60

Mine did that and it was a sticky caliper, mine is a 2001.5 with rear disc brakes. I pressed each of the dual cylinders in and it was obvious one was sticking. I pressed on the brake pedal and only one came back out. I think I paid around $90 for a rebuilt caliper at NAPA with exchange but they had to order it and it took 3 days.

I was on my way out for a camping weekend, ended up clamping that caliper off and setting my trailer brakes to a more agressive setting. I had about 15 miles to go to the campground and did the testing and clamping in the tow companies garage (after sleeping in my camper in their parking lot).

Marine

I had the same thing happen, but it was not the caliper. It was the internal e-brake. It is inside the drum (or hub, if you will).

Mike