How to Loosen Self-Adjusting Brakes
Updated 04/07/2025 | Published 03/27/2019
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Question:
Bought these brakes a few month back. Installed yesterday right side is fine. The first one on left I did when I adjusted it went too much too tight. Now can’t get loose. Can’t even get wheel to spin even with the tire on. No matter how much I try with the tool it just ain’t budging. On left side what is proper direction to loosen? Is it up with the tool or down?
asked by: Joe
Expert Reply:
It is possible to loosen up how tight your Self-Adjusting Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA but it is a little difficult to do, mainly due to lack or room for working. You can potentially remove your hub to make loosening the brake a bit easier but I recommend trying to adjust them from the access holes first.
With the plugs removed, use your brake adjustment spoon # W80630 or a flat screwdriver to press down on the silver tab (yellow arrow) that keeps the wheel (green arrow) in place. With that pressed down used another spoon or screwdriver and rotate the wheel upwards (from the backside), or the same direction that the green arrow is pointing. This will loosen up your brakes and you can then adjust them as necessary for your application.
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 >
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Paul
3/15/2025
Hi Jon, You say to "rotate the wheel upwards (from the backside), or the same direction that the green arrow is pointing" but the green arrow is pointing downwards. Can you clarify?