Troubleshooting New Self Adjusting Brake Assemblies that Won't Adjust Tighter

Published 10/27/2022

Question:

I just had a trailer mechanic replace my surge brakes with Trueryde Electric brakes, 3500 lb axle. The adjusting holes are covered so cannot adjust myself. Mechanic said they would adjust themselves. I put my controller on 10 and hit the stop lever over and over again but so far no more brake. I can barely tell they are grabbing and when I pull the pin for the self locking system I can turn the wheel by hand. What can I try to get these things safe.

asked by: Jim

Helpful Expert Reply:

Were you moving when you hit the manual override lever of your brake controller? The trailer wheels have to be moving forward for the adjustment to happen with every application of the brakes. You might also make sure the brakes weren't installed on the wrong side of the axle. The arm that holds the brake magnet needs to go around the front of the spindle and not behind it. You'll have to remove the hub/drum to see this.

expert reply by: Jameson C