Direction of Rotation of Drum Brake Star Wheel

Updated 05/31/2017 | Published 05/28/2017

Question:

To adjust the brakes, is it up to tighten for both LH and RH side of the RV?

asked by: Rich

Expert Reply:

Drum brakes' star wheel adjusters have directional teeth that will let your adjustment spoon # W80630 (or flat-blade screwdriver) catch those teeth better in one direction than another. The direction that provides the better grip of the blade on the wheel is for tightening. As you look at the brake from the outside of the trailer rotating the star wheel upwards spreads the pads, making them tighter against the drum surface.

expert reply by: Adam R