Wiktor Wise
Adjusting electric trailer drum brakes is a straightforward process that can be done manually. It is important to know how to adjust your trailer brakes to ensure safe towing. The first step is to jack up the trailer securely on properly rated jack stands. Once the trailer is suspended, the brake adjuster can be located. This is typically a star wheel adjuster found behind a cover or plug at the back of the brake backing plate. Using a flathead screwdriver or brake adjustment tool, the star wheel adjuster can be turned to adjust the brake shoes against the drum. The adjuster should be tightened so that the trailer tire turns freely with a slight drag or resistance. This process should be repeated for all brake assemblies, and adjustments should be made every 3,000 miles or about once every three months.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Jack the trailer up on properly rated jack stands |
| Second Step | Remove the rubber plug at the bottom of the backing plate to access the brake adjuster |
| Third Step | Use a flat-head screwdriver or a brake adjustment tool to turn the star gear |
| Fourth Step | Rotate the wheel until it becomes difficult to turn the hub and drum |
| Fifth Step | Back the wheel off about 10 clicks or until you feel a slight drag from the brake shoes |
| Sixth Step | Adjust the brakes again after the first 200 miles, then every 3,000 miles thereafter |
| Self-Adjusting Brakes | Use the manual lever on the brake controller |
| Manual Adjustment | Use a screwdriver or adjustment spoon to turn the adjuster until the wheel is difficult to turn, then back off about 10 notches until a slight drag is felt |
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What You'll Learn
- Jack up the trailer and remove the plug to access the brake adjuster
- Turn the star gear/star wheel adjuster with a screwdriver or brake tool
- Rotate the wheel until it's hard to turn, then back off slightly
- Adjust brakes after the first 200 miles, then every 3,000 miles
- Self-adjusting brakes can be adjusted by operating the manual lever
Jack up the trailer and remove the plug to access the brake adjuster
To adjust your electric trailer drum brakes, you'll first need to jack up the trailer. Place the jack under the trailer frame, not the axle, and use a properly rated jack to ensure the trailer is suspended securely. Once the trailer is jacked up, you can move to the back of the brake backing plate. Here, you'll find a rubber plug at the bottom of the backing plate. This plug needs to be removed to access the brake adjuster.
The plug is typically made of rubber or plastic and can be pried out with a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful when removing the plug to avoid damaging the surrounding area. Once the plug is removed, you'll have access to the brake adjuster, which is usually located inside the brake assembly or below the brake drum.
The brake adjuster is often in the form of a star gear or star wheel, and you can use a flat-head screwdriver or a brake adjustment tool to turn it. Rotate the star gear or wheel until the brake shoes press against the drum, making it difficult to turn.
At this point, you'll want to back off the adjustment slightly. Turn the wheel in the opposite direction by about 10 clicks or notches until you feel a slight drag or resistance from the brake shoes. This ensures that the brakes are not too tight and allows the wheel to turn freely with just a little resistance.
By following these steps, you'll be able to access and adjust the electric trailer drum brakes effectively.
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Turn the star gear/star wheel adjuster with a screwdriver or brake tool
To adjust your electric trailer drum brakes, you'll need to turn the star gear/star wheel adjuster with a screwdriver or brake tool. This is an important step in the process of adjusting your trailer brakes, which should be done every 3,000 miles or about once every three months, depending on usage.
First, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You can use a flat-head screwdriver or a brake adjustment tool. A trailer brake spoon can also be used to turn the star wheel adjuster.
Now, locate the star gear/star wheel adjuster. It is typically located at the back of the brake backing plate, underneath a rubber plug at the bottom of the plate. Remove the rubber plug to access the star gear.
With your screwdriver or brake tool, turn the star gear/star wheel adjuster. Rotate the wheel up until it becomes difficult to turn the hub and drum. This action will press the brake shoes against the drum.
Once the drum becomes hard to turn, you will then need to back the wheel off. Turn it in the opposite direction by about 10 clicks or notches, until you can spin the drum with a slight drag from the brake shoes. You should still feel a little resistance, but not so much that the brakes lock up.
This process should be repeated for all remaining brake assemblies, ensuring that each is adjusted in the same manner.
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Rotate the wheel until it's hard to turn, then back off slightly
To adjust electric trailer drum brakes, follow these steps:
Identify the brake adjustment hole, typically located on the back side of the backing plate of the brake assembly. Insert a screwdriver or brake adjustment tool into the hole and push or pull the lever to adjust the brake.
Rotate the wheel until it becomes difficult to turn. This indicates that the brake shoes are pressing firmly against the drum. It is important to not overtighten, as this can lead to excessive wear and heat. Once you've reached this point, back off slightly by adjusting the screwdriver or tool in the opposite direction. This slight backing off ensures that the brakes are not too tight and allows for proper heat dissipation and drum/shoe wear.
Make sure to adjust both sides evenly to maintain balanced braking performance. It is normal for one side to require more adjustment than the other, but they should be adjusted in small increments to ensure they are as equal as possible.
After adjusting, test the trailer brakes by driving at a slow speed and applying the brakes gently. Ensure that the trailer stops in a straight line and that there is no pulling to one side, indicating that the brakes are adjusted evenly.
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Adjust brakes after the first 200 miles, then every 3,000 miles
Adjusting your trailer brakes is important for towing safely. It is recommended to adjust the brakes after the first 200 miles, and then every 3,000 miles after that. Depending on how often you tow your trailer, this could be once every three months.
To adjust your electric drum trailer brakes, start by chocking the trailer wheels and jacking up one side of your trailer. Place the jack under the trailer frame, not the axle, and jack it up until the wheel is able to spin freely. Secure a jack stand under the frame for additional support.
Most trailers have a cover, cap, or plug that needs to be removed to access the trailer brakes. These are typically made from plastic or rubber and can be pried out with a flathead screwdriver. Once removed, you will have access to the brake chamber and adjustment wheel.
Using a trailer brake spoon, brake adjustment tool, or flathead screwdriver, turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber. The adjuster is typically located below the brake drum. The star wheel adjuster should be tightened so that the trailer tire turns freely and a slight scraping sound is heard.
To tighten the trailer brakes, turn the adjuster wheel by prying it upward with your tool of choice. This means pushing down on the adjustment tool handle. Prying the spoon down will tighten the brake pads against the brake drums, while prying upward will loosen the pads.
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Self-adjusting brakes can be adjusted by operating the manual lever
Electric trailer drum brakes can be self-adjusting, meaning they adjust every time the brake pedal or manual override lever is activated while driving. This makes it easier than older drum brakes on cars, which required the driver to put the car in reverse and hit the brakes.
The manual lever can also be used to burnish the brakes. To do this, set the brake controller's gain to approximately midway or slightly higher, and tow the trailer at about 40 mph. Then, activate the manual lever on the brake controller until the trailer slows to 20 or 25 mph. Using only the manual control forces the trailer's brakes to slow down both the tow vehicle and the trailer, helping burnish the brakes quicker. Braking applications should be conducted at no less than 1-mile intervals to prevent the brake linings from overheating.
It is important to note that not all self-adjusting brakes have a manual lever, and some may require a different adjustment process. It is always recommended to refer to the specific instructions for your brakes.
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Frequently asked questions
Jack up your trailer on properly rated jack stands. Make sure the trailer is secure and remove the cover, cap or plug to access the trailer brakes.
You can use a trailer brake spoon, a flathead screwdriver or a brake adjustment tool.
Using your chosen tool, turn the star wheel adjuster inside the brake chamber. This will tighten the brake pads against the brake drums.
Prying the spoon down will tighten the brake pads. Pushing the spoon up will loosen them. You should turn the adjuster until the wheel is difficult to turn, then back it off about 10 clicks.
It is recommended to adjust the brakes after the first 200 miles, then every 3,000 miles.
