How to Initially Adjust etrailer.com Self-Adjusting Brakes Without a Tool

Updated 09/24/2018 | Published 09/23/2018

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(3139)

$177.81

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(222)

$9.10

Question:

I just installed these on my 2 axle utility trailer. Im having trouble adjusting them. the lever for the self adjust the brakes is in the way of the star wheel. is there a way to adjust these brakes with the lever blocking the star wheel? and which way should the star wheel be turned?

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

You can actually adjust the self-adjusting brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA without using a tool like the adjustment spoon # W80630 since you said that you can't get to the adjustment piece (which you would access from the back of the assembly).

If you can find an empty parking let then all you need to do is get up to 25 mph and then use the manual override on your brake controller to hit the brakes on your trailer. After doing this a few times you will see that the trailer brakes are working correctly. This will give you a jolt though so make sure you are buckled up and ready for it.

expert reply by: Jon G