What Causes the Trailer Brakes to Lock Up When Pressed?

[DiAutumn]

Generally, it's an issue with the brake wheel cylinder, which should be inspected. Below are relevant explanations: 1. Lock-up: Lock-up occurs when the brake (whether disc or drum) clamps the tire so tightly that there's no relative movement between the tire and the brake. In other words, the tire stops rotating, causing the vehicle to slide on the road like a brick. 2. Hazardous situations: When a vehicle brakes hard at high speed on wet or icy roads, the rear may deviate from the intended path during braking. In severe cases, the vehicle may spin around, losing directional stability—a phenomenon known as skidding. Another scenario is when the driver loses control over the vehicle's direction during braking, meaning the vehicle loses steerability. If braking occurs on a curve, the vehicle may slide off the road or into the opposite lane. Even during straight-line braking, loss of directional control can prevent avoiding oncoming obstacles.