Initial Adjustment Of Self-Adjusting Electric Brakes On Trailer

Updated 06/18/2020 | Published 03/02/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(367)

$56.62

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(363)

$66.56

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(220)

$10.54

Question:

DO YOU HAVE TO BACKUP AND PUT ON THE BRAKES TO AJUST

asked by: JOHNNY F

Expert Reply:

To initially adjust the brakes, you will need to raise the trailer and secure it on adequate capacity jack stands. Check that the wheel and drum rotate freely. Do not lift or support trailer on any part of the axle or the suspension system. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool like part # W80630, rotate the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn. Then rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction until the wheel turns freely with a slight lining drag. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the wheel to the ground. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes.

The Electric Trailer Brake Assembly, part # AKEBRK-35R-SA is a self-adjusting brake assembly so you do not need to backup to adjust the brakes after the initial adjustment since they are constantly adjusting themselves to make sure you get the right braking performance. The # AKEBRK-35R-SA is for the right hand(passenger side) of the trailer.

For the left hand(driver side) you will need part # AKEBRK-35L-SA.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

George F.

6/10/2020

I have a jayco toyhauler model 222 with self adjusting electric brakes. trailer has twin 4400 lb lipport axles, the gvw is 8000 lbs. I assume that I will need an electric brake kit rated at 4400 lb to match the axle rating, but some sites say only need the 3500 lb elec brake kit for the 4400 lb axle.....why?

Chris R.

6/13/2020

If possible I'd definitely try to go with 4,400 pound brake assemblies. I will say though that some of these factory axles do come with 3,500 pound assemblies mounted - and their mounting flange bolt pattern is designed for this. So a lot of times it's really just a matter of fitment - the bolt pattern can be a little different on the 4,400 pound brake assemblies. What I recommend doing is actually measuring the (I assume 4-bolt) pattern on one of your existing brake assemblies. Let me know the bolt to bolt measurements you get (on center) top to bottom and side to side and I can verify which assembly you need.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-accessories_and_parts-pt-electric_drum_brakes.aspx

George F.

6/14/2020

@ChrisR Thank you for responding. The 4 holes form a square, each Length being approx. 2.8" .

Chris R.

6/18/2020

@GeorgeF Thanks for the info! It sounds like the Dexter 4,400 Brake Kit # 23-454-455 is the right fit here. Its 4-bolt pattern features holes spaced apart by 2-13/16", on center.