How To Back Off Self-Adjusting Brakes That Are Over-Adjusted

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Question:

how do i back off self adjusting brakes

asked by: Richard C

0

Expert Reply:

The process is essentially the same as manual adjust brakes but is just a bit more challenging because self-adjusting brakes, like the Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # AKEBRK-35L-SA, don't give you any room to work. You would need to lift the metal tab that locks the adjuster sprocket in place with a small screwdriver and turn the adjuster sprocket up if you are looking at from the back of the assembly or downwards if you're looking at it from the front with the hub removed with a brake spoon # W80630.

It's going to be a fight and take way longer if you go from the back of the assembly so I highly recommend removing the hubs and adjusting it from the front to save yourself the time and frustration.

expert reply by: Kevin C

0

Sam

3/27/2025

What you said makes a lot of sense, but it’s really to get the drum off after they have been over adjusted.

Reply

Answer 1

Installing brakes on a trailer really isn't too bad. The install is pretty basic and a DIYer like yourself wouldn't have a problem at all. To determine the parts you need though we need to for sure know what axles/spindles you have so that we…

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Answer 2

The MTI number on your 8-201 hubs is simply a casting number. It does not indicate any information about the hubs or have anything to do with the actual part number. I'm not surprised to hear you have different outer bearings between the two…

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Answer 3

It might be possible to change out the studs in your hub from 9/16 to 5/8 if they are drive-in studs and not the type that threads in. If they are drive in and the diameter of the knurl end is approximately 0.6875 inches then you can replace them. We…

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Answer 4

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…

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Answer 5

Thanks for providing all of the information for your axle. This axle is going to use the standard 3,500 lb axle bearing sizing. You can use the Bearing Kit #BK2-100, which will come with bearings, races, seals, cotter pin and tang washer - everything…

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Answer 6

There should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move. There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. The first thing you should make sure of is that the bolts you use are long enough so that when installed you will have at…

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Answer 7

It's not uncommon for a tandem axle trailer to have brakes on only one axle. Typically for utility trailers which have more weight towards the front the front axle is the one that will have the brakes and trailers like boat trailers which carry…

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Answer 8

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a…

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Answer 9

Self-adjusting brakes #AKEBRK-7-SA do not require that you travel in reverse for them to adjust. They can adjust themselves going forward or backward. Keep in mind that even self-adjusting brakes require 1 initial adjustment. You could just install…

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Answer 10

Most rims that are 5 on 4-1/2 inches are similar. They have different sizes regarding diameter and width, but they have the same bolt pattern. Most trailers also have a zero offset, but every once in a while there is one that has a slight offset.…

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Answer 11

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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Answer 12

You should be getting 12 volts on the running light circuit when the running lights are turned on. If not, the problem is either in the connector or upstream from there. The first thing you should check is the trailer connector on your towing…

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How To Back Off Self-Adjusting Brakes That Are Over-Adjusted

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