Wiktor Wise
Self-adjusting brakes are a convenient feature for many vehicles, but sometimes they can require manual adjustments. This may be due to issues such as inconsistent braking force, where some brakes are working harder and getting hotter than others. While self-adjusting brake assemblies are designed to adjust themselves as you drive, there are ways to fine-tune their performance for optimal braking. This can involve adjusting the brake shoes during the initial installation or troubleshooting issues that may arise after a certain mileage. The process may vary depending on the specific type and model of self-adjusting brakes, such as the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit or the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Self-adjusting brake assemblies | #AKEBRK-7-SA, #AKEBRK-35L-SA |
| Recommended self-adjusting brakes | etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes, Dexter Never Adjust Brakes |
| Troubleshooting | Brakes not working after 3,000 miles, brake controller activating when turning |
| Installation | Adjust the shoes during initial installation, adjust brakes so the hub cannot be turned easily by hand |
| Maintenance | Spray exposed leveling jack tubes with lubricant when down for extended periods |
| Dexter Axle Parts | Kit #23-26-27, Left #23-26, Right #23-27 brake assemblies |
| Replacement Parts | Grease Seals #RG06-050, Seal Puller #PTW1219 |
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What You'll Learn
Troubleshooting self-adjusting brakes
Firstly, it's important to note that even self-adjusting brakes require an initial manual adjustment to set the base for the self-adjustment mechanism. This is done by adjusting the brake assembly so that the brake pad is as close to the drum as possible without rubbing, ensuring a fast braking response. This initial setup is crucial for the ongoing performance of self-adjusting brakes.
If you're experiencing issues with self-adjusting brakes locking up, the problem is often electrical. Check the 7-way connection for any corrosion, which may hamper the functionality of your brakes. Clean if necessary. Next, test the voltage at the brake circuit on the connector when the brakes are applied. The voltage should be well under 12 volts. If you see 12 volts, there may be an issue with the wiring or the brake controller. Inspect the wiring for any fraying or damage and fix or replace as needed.
In some cases, the issue may lie with the brake magnets. Trailer brake assembly magnets are not polarity-sensitive, so ensure that the brake is getting power. If the self-adjusting assemblies are new, they may just need a few more applications to tighten properly. Every time you apply the brakes, the adjustment wheel clicks tighter until it's at the right tightness.
Additionally, for drum brakes, it's important to inspect and manually adjust them regularly to ensure they're in peak condition. This can be done using specific tools like a brake spoon, which can be inserted through an access slot to adjust the star wheel, ensuring the optimal distance between the brake shoes and the drum.
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Electric drum brakes
To adjust electric drum brakes, it is recommended to first check the wear of the brake shoes and the diameter of the drum using a micrometer. This will help determine the extent of the required adjustments. The next step is to locate the adjuster "star" wheel, which is usually behind a back panel or a rubber plug on the drum brake. Using a brake spoon, insert it into the access slot and engage the notches on the adjuster wheel. Rotate the star wheel to tighten or loosen the distance between the brake shoe and the drum. It is important to adjust the gear only a few clicks at a time, as it is easier to tighten than to loosen.
After making the necessary adjustments, rotate the drum to check the tightness of the drum shoes. You should feel steady and even resistance from the brake shoes. If the adjustments are satisfactory, put everything back together and take the vehicle for a test drive. During the test drive, pay attention to how the brakes respond and how far the pedal travels when applying the brakes. If further adjustments are needed, repeat the process until optimal braking performance is achieved.
It is important to note that adjusting drum brakes can be challenging for beginners, and it may be advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
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Adjusting brake assemblies
Initial Adjustment:
When installing self-adjusting brake assemblies, it is recommended to adjust the brake shoes initially to ensure optimal performance from the first use. This adjustment allows for proper engagement of the brake controller with the trailer brakes.
Accessing the Adjuster:
The adjuster is typically located below the magnet. To access it, you may need to jack up the trailer and locate the adjuster on each wheel assembly.
Adjusting the Brakes:
Tighten the brakes until you cannot turn the hub easily by hand. Then, back off the adjustment by about 10 clicks or until you feel the brakes drag slightly on the brake drum. This fine-tuning ensures that the brakes are not too tight, which could lead to excessive wear, or too loose, resulting in inadequate stopping power.
Consistent Adjustment Across Axles:
It is important to repeat the adjustment process for all axles on the trailer. This ensures even braking performance across all wheels, preventing uneven wear and improving overall safety.
Testing and Verification:
After adjusting the brake assemblies, it is crucial to test the brakes to verify their operation. Take the trailer for a test drive and pay attention to the braking performance. Ensure that the brakes engage smoothly and effectively, and there is no unusual noise or vibration. If any issues are noticed, recheck the adjustments and ensure that all components are functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting:
In some cases, you may encounter specific issues with self-adjusting brakes. For example, if you notice that some hubs are significantly hotter than others, it could indicate that the brakes are not working evenly. Check each wheel's brakes and make the necessary adjustments to ensure consistent braking force across all hubs.
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Brake controller issues
Firstly, check the brake controller display for any error messages. If the display shows that the trailer is not connected, there may be a short on the brake signal wire, or corrosion in the trailer or vehicle plug.
If the brake controller loses connection to the battery ground, check that the ground wire is connected to the negative battery terminal and that the ground area has a solid connection.
If the brakes apply too aggressively, the brake assemblies may not be properly adjusted, or the boost/gain on the controller may be set too high.
If there is no power, use a circuit tester to verify that power is present at the vehicle 7-Way when the brake pedal is pressed. If there is still no power, check for a short or ground issue.
If the controller was hard-wired, verify that the white ground wire is attached to the negative battery terminal and check for spots that have been nicked, pinched, or rubbed.
If you are experiencing issues with a Prodigy P2 brake controller, there may be an issue with the wiring on the power wire (black wire) going to the controller. Check that all connections are tight and free of corrosion. There should also be a circuit breaker inline on that wire, and if it is failing, it can cause issues.
If you are getting 12 volts all the time, this may be a sign that the controller is faulty. Use a circuit tester to check the red wire that exits the rear of the controller. If this wire goes hot when the brake pedal is pressed, then the controller is bad and must be replaced.
In some cases, the brake controller may be activating the brakes when it receives a signal from the turn signal. This can happen if the controller is tied into the turn signals.
If you have recently installed self-adjusting brake assemblies and notice that the brakes are not as strong as the old ones, adjust the shoes when you first install the assemblies. This will allow your brake controller to engage the trailer brakes as intended. Adjust the brakes so that you cannot turn the hub easily by hand and then back them off about 10 clicks until the brakes drag slightly on the brake drum.
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Brake shoe adjustment
Brake shoes should be adjusted when you first install self-adjusting brake assemblies, so your brakes work as well as they can from the first use. This will also be helpful in allowing your brake controller to engage the trailer brakes as intended.
To adjust the brake shoes, locate the adjuster, which is usually below the magnet. Adjust the brakes so that the hub cannot be turned easily by hand, and then loosen them slightly, so that the brakes drag just a little on the brake drum. This process should be repeated for all axles, so that the brakes work evenly and stop properly.
For drum brakes, it is recommended to check the wear of the shoes before adjusting them, especially if it has been more than 30,000 miles since they were last checked. This can be done by locating the oblong access hole covered by a rubber plug and checking the diameter of the drum with an inside micrometer. Electronic micrometers will give you more precise measurements.
When adjusting drum brakes, park on a flat and level surface, and chock the front wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it with jack stands. You may also want to remove the wheels to create a more open workspace. Spin the wheel by hand as you operate the adjuster, and you will hear the shoes scraping on the drum. Give the tire a hard spin every few clicks. Adjust the brakes until the wheel makes about one revolution before stopping.
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Frequently asked questions
Self-adjusting electric brakes, such as the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller, automatically adjust themselves and do not require manual adjustment.
Self-adjusting brake assemblies adjust themselves as you drive after the initial installation. The front brakes bear more of the braking work as more of the trailer weight is on the forward axle.
It is recommended that you adjust the shoes when you first install the assemblies so that your brakes work as well as they can upon the first use. Adjust the brakes so that you cannot turn the hub easily by hand, and then adjust them back a few clicks until the brakes drag slightly on the brake drum.
Self-adjusting brakes are more convenient than manual brakes as they do not require manual adjustment. They are also more cost-effective than manual brakes.
