Initial Adjustment Of Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brakes

Updated 04/28/2024 | Published 01/15/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs

(274)

$133.38

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs

(297)

$99.38

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(224)

$11.04

Question:

On the self adjusting drum brakes, like the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust 12x2 drum brake, I read that it self adjusts upon backing up the trailer. How much and how often does the trailer need to be backed up for the adjustment to take place? I assume just a few feet wouldnt do anything, so is it a certain number of turns of the wheel to start the process and another number of turns for a particular amount of adjusting? Im thinking about these on a camper, so each time I drive it I back it into the campsite and back it up my driveway and into the garage, but thats all the backing it gets.

asked by: Adrian G

Expert Reply:

When you install Nev-R-Adjust drum brakes like Dexter part # 23-458 and part # 23-459 the initial setup will be different. The Nev-R-Adjust has a small lever that prevents the brake star wheel from backing off as you do when you adjust standard brakes.

With the Nev-R-Adjust brakes, you simply turn the wheel backwards after everything is installed, until you get a slight drag. If you continue turning the wheel it would keep adjusting the brakes until it locks the wheel.

You would then need to make a manual adjustment using the star wheel and a brake adjustment tool like part # W80630, along with a screwdriver. You would have to move the lever with the screwdriver and then back the star wheel off until the wheel turns with just a slight drag.

No further manual adjusting is necessary as the brake will adjust with normal driving.

I have attached a link to a video that explains the adjusting of Nev-R-Adjust brakes I highly encourage you check our.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Chris C.

4/28/2024

Jeffrey, I just had Dexter 23-458 and 23-459 nev r adjust brakes installed. I decided to put plugs on the adjust holes and noticed the right side lever is not on a wheel tooth. It's over the star wheel. I lifted the lever with a screw driver and it goes up but the wheel turns with it. The lever is on a tooth on the other wheel. Is the right brake a defect?

Chris C.

4/28/2024

Jeffery, I just had nev r adjust brakes installed, 23-458,459 installed and when I went to put in plug in the adjuster holes I sae the right brake adjuster lever was over the star wheel and not on a tooth. I lifted the lever and the wheel turns with it. Is that a defect on that brake?