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
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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