Troubleshooting Dexter 6,000 lb Axle Electric Drum Brake Adjustment

Updated 08/12/2020 | Published 08/11/2020

Question:

The electric brakes on my 2 axel trailer are manual adjustment. Trailer/brakes have 50k miles. Noticed low brake application so Was time to adjust and pack bearingS. Pads are at 7mm to 8mm thick so shoes are about half life ?. Brakes are now adjusted as per the e-trailer video. With the trailer on jack stands, spinning the wheel and applying brakes, I have no brake action until I stop the wheel from spinning and rotate the wheel in the opposite direction. The brakes then lock the wheel. Same on both axels and all four wheels. Is this typical or is there another issue? Thanks

asked by: Bryan K

Expert Reply:

What you describe for your brakes after adjustment is not normal. You should have a slight drag on your brakes when spinning the hubs by hand when they are adjusted properly. There shouldn't be any difference when rotated in the opposite direction, so having brakes engage makes me think there is a spring issue or a shoe alignment issue. There should not be any locking so that is a sure sign of an issue. If you put the assembly on the wrong side, that would give you stronger braking spinning in reverse, but you still shouldn't have them lock up.

It sounds like you have enough brake pad life, so I recommend backing the adjustment off a little more and seeing if you have the same issue. I've attached a video to assist with the adjustment.

expert reply by: Jason S