Which Way Should Brake Adjustment Star Go to Tighten Brakes Up or Down

Published 02/07/2024

Question:

In researching the correct direction to rotate the drum brake adjusting screw on trailer brakes with respect to the rear side of the backing plate, I find two responses by your techs that contradict each other. Which is correct? I attempted to add 2 screenshots that illustrate my confusion however I have no way of knowing that they truly uploaded.

asked by: Charles A

Expert Reply:

To tighten the brakes on trailer brake assemblies you want to unscrew the adjuster wheel if that makes sense Charles as that pushes the two shoes apart. So depending on which side the adjuster wheel is on between the two pieces of the adjuster it will vary which direction you would need to move the star. So you will want to look at the adjuster star wheel on the assembly and push it in the direction that will move it apart. In most cases it will be that you push it down to move the assemblies out.

expert reply by: Jameson C