How Do Self-Adjusting Brakes Adjust and Does it Work Going Forward or Reverse
Updated 02/05/2020 | Published 04/20/2017
Question:
I remember back in the day when cars had self adjusting drum brakes, the driver had to back the vehicle up for the self adjusters to work. Their was no instructions with these brakes, is that the way these brakes self adjust?
asked by: John H
Expert Reply:
Self-adjusting brakes # AKEBRK-7-SA do not require that you travel in reverse for them to adjust. They can adjust themselves going forward or backward.
Keep in mind that even self-adjusting brakes require 1 initial adjustment. You could just install them and they would eventually adjust out but until that happens you would have weak brakes. Basically if the brake shoes have to move too far before they touch the drums a pulley spins the adjustment wheel which then takes and adjusts the shoes out a bit further. This would happen in forward or reverse.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Q&A: How to Adjust Self-Adjusting Trailer Brakes
- Search Results: dometic rv air conditioners
- Search Results: trailer fender
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: 41944
- Video: etrailer VS Dexter Self Adjusting Brakes Comparison
- Search Results: trailer suspension parts
- Search Results: rv air conditioners
- Search Results: rv air conditioners accessories and parts
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Review of M-3 and Associates Trailer Ramp Springs - Dual Spring Ramp Door Spring - M386FR
- Shop: Demco Surge Brake Actuator w Drop and Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 12.5K
- Video: Review of M-3 and Associates Trailer Ramp Springs - Dual Ramp Spring - M346FR
- Video: Installing the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes
- Video: Setting up the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes on a 2017 Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheel
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Shop: Electric Jack w/ Footplate and 7-Way Plug - A-Frame - 25-1/8" Lift - 3.5K - Black
- Shop: Conventional Ramp Door Spring for 8' Wide Enclosed Trailer - Dual Spring - 230-lb Capacity
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Comparing Dexter and etrailer.com 7,000 Pound Electric Brake Assemblies
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Conventional Ramp Door Spring for 8' Wide Enclosed Trailer
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Q&A: Troubleshooting and How To Set Initial Adjustment of the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes
on Trailer Brakes
Stan2va
2/4/2020
I just installed your AKEBRK-35-SA kits on my travel trailer. In order to get the drum on I backed off the start wheel adjuster the entire way. I just took the trailer for a spin for the shoes to adjust and they have not even after stopping for a dozen times. I hear the magnets energized. Do I just keep breaking because they have a long way to adjust?Thanks