How do Self Adjusting Trailer Brake Assemblies Adjust Themselves
Published 05/12/2017 >
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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
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