How to Adjust Electric Drum Trailer Brakes

Updated 05/30/2012 | Published 05/26/2012

Question:

Before self ajusting brakes, we would the brake to the drum until the tire and drum would not turn, then back it off until it would turn and hear a little friction noise between shoes and drum. Is this still the best method.

asked by: Bob T

Expert Reply:

You are correct. On drum brakes that do not self-adjust, you would manually adjust the brakes using the star wheel on the assembly. Once you cannot turn the wheel, you turn the star wheel the other direction until the wheel can spin and you hear a slight constant drag on the brakes.

If the brakes are not constantly dragging it could indicate wear on the shoes or drum. I have included a link to a video and at about the 4:39 mark our installed begins adjusting the brakes.

expert reply by: Michael H