Wiktor Wise
Electric trailer brakes use a combination of electrical signals, electromagnets, and brake pads to function. While some electric trailer brakes are self-adjusting, others require manual adjustment. To adjust electric trailer brake shoes, you will need to locate the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber, which is typically found below the brake drum. Using a brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or flathead screwdriver, you can then turn the star wheel adjuster to tighten or loosen the brake pads. This process should be repeated for each tire on the trailer to ensure even braking. It is recommended to adjust trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months, depending on usage.
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What You'll Learn
Locating the adjuster wheel
Once the cover is removed, you will see the star wheel adjuster, which resembles a spikey gear wrapped around a long cylinder spool. It is important to note that the location of the adjuster wheel may vary depending on the make and model of your trailer. For example, with an RV trailer, you may need to remove the dust cover from the axle to access the adjuster wheel.
In some cases, you may need to remove the adjuster plugs on the backside of the brake assembly to locate the adjuster wheel. These plugs can be found on the bottom of the assembly, and after removing them with a screwdriver or pliers, you can look inside for the adjustment screw. The adjustment screw can be identified by small teeth that go all the way around it.
If you are having trouble locating the adjuster wheel, it is recommended to refer to your trailer's user manual or seek assistance from a professional. Once the adjuster wheel is located, you can proceed with adjusting your electric trailer brake shoes.
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Using a brake spoon to tighten brake pads
Adjusting your trailer brakes is important for towing safely. Electric trailer brakes use electrical signals, electromagnets, and brake pads to help the trailer stop while towing. The built-in electromagnets draw power from the vehicle to accentuate or squeeze the brake pads. As the power increases, the electromagnets apply more stopping force.
To adjust the brake pad pressure star wheel, you can use a brake spoon adjustment tool or a flat-bladed screwdriver. This will increase the pad pressure on the hub surface and increase your braking force.
If you have non-self-adjusting drum brakes, stick the brake adjuster spoon into the back of the brake plate and rotate the adjusting star wheel teeth upward to expand the brake shoes. This means you will need to pull down on the brake spoon. If you have self-adjusting drum brakes, a few stops should adjust the brake shoes automatically.
When using a brake spoon, push down on the handle so the adjuster wheel is pried upward. This will tighten the brake pads or shoes. Turn the wheel one click at a time. Spin the tire between each click to ensure it spins freely. Once the trailer tire becomes difficult to turn, stop tightening the adjuster.
You can also use a flat-head screwdriver for this process, which some people find easier.
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Testing for tire lockup
Step 1: Initial Setup
Park your trailer on a flat, stable surface and secure it with wheel chocks to prevent any accidental movement. If your trailer is connected to a vehicle, make sure the parking brake is engaged. This step is crucial to ensure safety during the adjustment process.
Step 2: Adjust the Brake Shoes
Use a trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or flathead screwdriver to adjust the brake shoes. Locate the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber, typically found below the brake drum. To tighten the brake pads or shoes, push down on the brake spoon handle, prying the adjuster wheel upward. Turn the adjuster wheel one click at a time and spin the tire between each click to ensure it spins freely.
Step 3: Test Drive
Reinstall the wheels and lower the trailer back to the ground. Take the trailer for a test drive in a safe, open area. Drive at a moderate speed, typically around 20 to 40 MPH, and engage the brakes using the brake controller. Ensure that the brakes engage smoothly and proportionally without any signs of lockup.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Adjustments
If you experience any issues with brake lockup during the test drive, make fine-tune adjustments to the brake controller settings. Adjust the trailer gain, which is the amount of power the brake controller applies to the brakes. Start with the manufacturer's specified values and adjust accordingly. If the brakes lock up, decrease the gain; if the vehicle stops too slowly, increase the gain.
Step 5: Final Checks
After making any necessary adjustments, take the trailer for another test drive to ensure optimal performance. Listen for any unusual sounds, such as a persistent scraping or grinding noise, which could indicate improper adjustment or worn brake components. Regularly inspect the brake shoes, drums, and magnets for wear or damage, and replace any worn parts promptly to maintain safe and efficient braking performance.
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Adjusting brake shoes
Locate the Star Wheel Adjuster: Begin by finding the star wheel adjuster, typically located inside the brake chamber, beneath the brake drum. Remove any necessary covers or plugs to access this component.
Use a Brake Spoon or Tool: Using a brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or a flathead screwdriver, pry up the star wheel adjuster. Lift the teeth of the gear, and repeat this process at least five times. You may hear a clicking noise, which is normal and indicates that you are doing it correctly.
Tighten or Loosen the Brake Pads: To tighten the brake pads, push down on the brake spoon handle while prying the star wheel adjuster upward. This action will bring the brake pads closer to the brake drums. Conversely, to loosen the brake pads, push down on the adjuster and pull up on the brake spoon.
Spin the Tire and Adjust: After adjusting the brake pads, spin the tire and ensure it moves freely. Adjust the star wheel adjuster one click at a time, and check the tire's movement after each click. The tire should eventually become challenging to turn, indicating proper brake pad engagement.
Test the Brakes: Once the adjustments are complete, test the brakes by slowly rotating the tire until it drags. This drag signifies that the brakes are tight and well-adjusted. Ensure that all tires on your trailer are adjusted evenly for cohesive braking performance.
It is recommended to adjust trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Additionally, some trailers may have self-adjusting brakes, which can be fine-tuned through a series of braking events at low speeds.
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Checking for signs of completion
First, it is important to understand the desired outcome. The goal is to achieve properly adjusted trailer brakes that work in sync with the vehicle's brakes, ensuring smooth and effective stopping power.
Second, perform a road test in a controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot. Drive the trailer at a slower speed of around 20 mph and apply the brakes fully, then release. Repeat this process several times, being mindful not to overheat the brakes. A properly adjusted brake will exhibit a slight drag or resistance, and you should feel when the adjustment is adequate.
Third, check for visual and auditory cues. After applying the brakes, there may be a bit of smoke, which is normal. The brakes should also be very hot. Additionally, listen for a slight scraping sound, indicating that the trailer brake pads are engaged and functioning correctly.
Fourth, ensure uniformity across all tires. Adjust each tire on the trailer evenly so that the brakes work cohesively. This uniformity ensures that the trailer will stop smoothly and evenly, preventing any unexpected behaviour during braking.
Finally, re-inspect the adjustment mechanism. Once you are satisfied with the brake performance, re-inspect the star wheel adjuster to ensure it is in the correct position and has not moved during the testing process. This step ensures that the adjustments remain intact and no further fine-tuning is required.
By following these comprehensive checks, you can be confident that the electric trailer brake shoe adjustment is complete and that your trailer will perform safely on the road.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you check and adjust your trailer brakes every 3,000 miles or 3 months.
You will need a brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or a flathead screwdriver.
The adjuster wheel is typically located inside the brake chamber, below the brake drum. Refer to your user manual if you are unsure where your trailer's brake access covers are.
If your trailer brakes are self-adjusting, you will see an adjuster cable stretching across the brake drum.
You can adjust self-adjusting trailer brakes by performing several braking events at low speed (10-20 times).
