How do Self Adjusting Trailer Brake Assemblies Adjust Themselves
Published 05/12/2017 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Do they need to be adjusted before installation? How do they self adjust, when depressing the brake while backing up like on cars? Thanks
asked by: Michael L
Expert Reply:
We have self-adjusting trailer brakes that never require any adjustments, but the part # 23-26 is a manual adjust assembly that requires you go spin the star wheel on the back of the assembly.
For a set of left and right self-adjusting assemblies the part # AKEBRK-35-SA is the same size and capacity as the Dexter you referenced. Basically if the shoes move more than a set amount to touch the drums (implying that they need to be adjusted), a linkage arm is activated that spins the star wheel. This happens with each brake application until the brakes are properly tensioned. The wheels do have to be spinning forward for this to happen too.
A lot of times new brake assemblies need to have the brakes activated several times before they start working properly. We get a lot of questions from people with new brakes or trailers complaining about weak brakes and the solution is just apply the brakes a bunch of times till they get tight.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Do Self-Adjusting Trailer Brakes Adjust Going Forward or in Reverse
- Search Results: self adjusting brakes
- Video: Breaking Down the GSI Outdoors Pint Glass
- Video: GSI Outdoors Cathole Sanitation Trowel Feature Review
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Brakes - Electric Drum Brake Kit - AKEBRK-35-SA
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes Comparison - Self Adjusting VS Manual
- Shop: GSI Outdoors Pint Glass - Enamelware - 17 fl oz - Green
- Shop: CargoSmart Wire Basket for E Track and X Track - Steel - 20" x 18" x 12" - 100 lbs
- Shop: GSI Outdoors Cathole Sanitation Trowel
- Video: Weigh Safe Wheel Chock Leveling Kit Hands-On Review
- Shop: Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Leveling Kit with Wheel Chocks for Trailers and RVs
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Q&A: Will The B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box BW23RV Work With A 4" Offset Gooseneck Ball?
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Q&A: Will Curt Helux Pin Box Work With Demco Autoslide DM8550038?
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: suspension enhancement
- Q&A: Can B&W Gooseneck Pin Box Replace Curt Helux On 2026 Brinkley Model Z 2680
- Search Results: camper tie~downs
- Shop: Camper Tie-Downs
- Search Results: tonneau cover
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: timbren vehicle suspension


