How to Initially Adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes

Question

Question:

I.m trying to do the manual adjust, but theres a 1/2 inch flat lever in the way. I assume thats the auto adjust lever. do I really need to manual adjust? How many brake applicationd should it take to do the auto adj. instead? Thanks

asked by: Steve S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a tool with a fine edge such as a flat head screw driver for the adjustment wheel on these brakes. A brake adjustment tool may be too thick.

Without an initial manual adjustment, it could take a few braking attempts to adjust the brakes. I was talking with one of my installers and he said, if it will not create a dangerous situation, a few hard braking attempts is a good way to adjust the brakes. Have the truck and trailer on a fairly smooth and level surface, slowly accelerate to no more than 20 mph, then step on the brakes.

If the brakes seem like they need to be adjusted quite a bit, then manually adjusting them first would be best. This would get them closer to the correct adjustment and then a few braking attempts should finish the job.

expert reply by: John H

1

click to enlarge

Robert H.

6/30/2020

I need to loosen the adjustment on a nev-r-adjust Dexter axle similar to the one pictiured. The present adjustment is to tight to remove the drum. From your video, it looks like the adjustment teeth behind the "lever" are notched such that it can only be tightened manually. Any suggestions?

Mark T.

4/23/2021

@RobertH, Use a 90 degree pick to reach under the adjuster plate and lift it up and towards you. Now you will have full access to the star wheel to back it off as needed.

Michael F.

6/5/2024

@MarkT It looks like one cannot back off the adjuster on Dexter nev-r-adjust brakes because the "teeth" on the adjuster are ramped to prevent turning them in the loosening direction. Can you help me find a way to loosen them to allow me to take the drum off?

Answer 1

Hey David, the 4,400 lb trailer axle is one of the most mysterious and confusing axle capacities in the world of trailer parts...Sometimes it uses parts that are for a 3,500 lb axle, sometimes a 4,400 lb, and sometimes the bigger 5,200-7,000 lb…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Hi Jim! The Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ and #8-201-9UC3-EZ are very similar, but there are a couple differences. You noted the weight capacity differences, and that is due to the bearing combination, which I have listed below:…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The #AKEBRK-35L-SA Self Adjusting brake assemblies will adjust themselves as you drive after the initial installation. The front brakes will always bear a bit more of the braking work, because more of the trailer weight is normally on the most…

view full answer...

Answer 4

That's really odd to hear. How much brake output voltage is your controller putting out at it's max setting? The only thing i can think of is that the controller is not applying enough voltage/amperage to activate adjusting mechanism. How…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I have included a link to a video on adjusting self-adjusting brakes. Basically there is a device on the adjustment wheel on these brakes that prevents the shoes from adjusting back inward. You have to sort of move that out of the way to be able to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The braking force level on the Hayes Air Utility Brake Control #1300-80 is adjusted by rotating the black knob on the side of the housing either counter-clockwise for more force or clockwise for less, in the same way that a volume knob operates.

view full answer...

Answer 7

For your 28 foot enclosed trailer, I'll give you the recommendation for parts all in the color black, but other color options are available and easy to find once you have the list of parts needed. Let me know if you need help with colors or have…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hey Zac. The etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes item #AKEBRK-35-SA are indeed compatible with the Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles item #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. This hub is sold individually and fits a inner bearing item #L68149 and…

view full answer...

Answer 9

In order to properly adjust the Dexter electric brake assemblies on your travel trailer, you will first need to raise the trailer and check that the wheel and drum rotate freely. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the slot on the bottom of the…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Scott thanks for the information. To replace the brakes in a Dexter hub 008 388 80 you'll want the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6K item #23-458-459. If you have any additional…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Sounds like your brake controller will apply your trailer brakes if you apply the manual override lever but not when you press the brake pedal. This is a fairly common problem and the solution is the red wire of the brake controller. Make sure it is…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You are not wrong but at the same time you do not want trailer brakes to lock up. The brakes you have, #23-468-469, are self-adjusting but it takes some time for the shoes to extend out far enough for normal braking. This is why we recommend making…

view full answer...

How to Initially Adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Continue Researching