Why Would Self Adjusting Trailer Brakes Stop Feeling Strong After a While

Updated 06/11/2025 | Published 06/02/2025

Question:

I bought etrailer brakes part number AKEBRK-7-SA and they dont seem to be adjusting. I installed new brakes and drums, burnished them according to instructions. I was totally pleased with them. However, over the last 6 or 7 thousand miles they have become weak, My controller has to be set about 9 just to feel them. I would say they need adjusted but they are self adjusting.? Can I manually adjust them and if so what are the correct steps? Or am I missing something? This is my first experience with self adjusting brakes. Thank you, David

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

Hey David, they SHOULD be self adjusting and it would be pretty unusual if they aren't so I would first check to see if there's a grease seal that's blown and is why the brakes aren't working. With the wheel of the trailer off the ground you should be able to turn the wheel by hand and feel a light drag. Check those things and let me know.

expert reply by: Jameson C

David M.

6/5/2025

Hi Jameson, I haven't ghosted ya. Just waiting for the rain to give enough of a break to catch up on chores...

Jameson C.

6/5/2025

@DavidM I totally understand!

David M.

6/8/2025

Hi Jameson, I was finally able to get to it. The brakes (all 4) do have a slight drag. Without taking pulling wheels and drums I couldn't see anything that indicated seals. However, connected to the pickup with the brake controller set at 5 it would take about 94% application to hold stop me from being able to turn the wheels by hand. In contrast, I have another trailer (~6000 lbs) that with the brakes set manually to have about the same drag and the controller on 5 then 5-10% application stops them. Enough so that I use 4 otherwise they will lockup. I can pull the tires and drums to check wheel seals if that sounds like the culprit. Thank you!

Jameson C.

6/9/2025

@DavidM That to me makes me think that it's an electrical issue. What gauge wire runs to the brake assemblies and are they all grounded properly? A weak ground or a thinner gauge wire output circuit would cause weak performance.

David M.

6/11/2025

@JamesonC The camper is all original and everything worked until now. That leads me down another trail at the moment... Since this wouldn't be the first time I have barked up the wrong tree I will check out the pickup and sure the power needs are being met by it so I'll test the current next. Thanks!

Jameson C.

6/11/2025

@DavidM It could definitely be on the vehicle side too. You'd be surprised how often just cleaning the pins of the 7-way with sandpaper can fix issues like this.