Would it be better to have NO rear brakes, if that happened to be the system with the problem? I've driven 3-axle air brake rigs without brakes at all on the front, supposedly to maintain steering control on slippery roads, and 2-axle rigs with a brake isolator to select between "dry road" and slippery road" conditions. The DOT mandated brakes on all axles some time ago, and I got the job of retrofitting several trucks in the early 1990's. I think I'd rather have at least one set of rear brakes working, even on a loaded rig, since the rear duals will have much more traction, and braking power, than a steer axle with both wheels locked up, and no steering control. The right pull from a rear hub braking will be at least partially offset by the left front trying to stop.
Jerry
