Proper Adjustment of 10 Inch Electric Brakes On Trailer

Updated 02/04/2011 | Published 02/03/2011

Question:

i hooked up my trialer brakes according to instructions and adjusted the brakes to 3 quarter of spin but when i hit the brake i am still able to spin the wheel by hand with no resistance i hear the brakes turn on but they dont grab what im i doing wrong

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

To adjust your brakes, you will want use a brake adjustment tool and turn the adjustment gear which is accessible through the back of the brake assembly. You will want to tighten the gear so that you cannot turn the wheel, then you will want to back the gear off 10 clicks. This will be the proper adjustment for the brakes and will need to be repeated on each brake assembly of the trailer (see video link).

Another adjustment you will want to make is with your brake controller. If your brake controller is already plugged in, you will want to unplug it for a few minutes then plug it back in to make new settings. Then, you will want to drive down the road and engage the brakes using the manual over ride switch on the brake controller to warm the brakes. Warming the brakes will simulate temperatures of brakes when they are in operation. Then you will follow the instructions on your brake controller as if you were first installing the brake controller.

I have linked a video installation of trailer brakes which shows the process for adjusting the brakes beginning at the 4:24 mark of the video.

expert reply by: Reno H