Do Lippert ABS Electric 12" Brake Assemblies Come Pre-Adjusted, Or Do I Manually Adjust Them First?

Updated 09/03/2025 | Published 08/25/2025

Question:

Do the brake shoes come pre-adjusted, or do I need to set them manually at install?

asked by: Lena

Expert Reply:

Great eye for the details, Lena. These Lippert 12inch ABS brake assemblies # LC83PX are self-adjusting, which means you only need to do a single initial adjustment, and then the brakes will automatically fine-tune themselves as you tow. By "initial adjustment", I mean you'll install it and apply the brakes quite a few times until they automatically start engaging as they should.

Another way to do the initial setup is to spin the wheel and use a brake spoon through the backing plate to set light drag - just like you would on other self-adjusting brakes. After that, the adjuster gear keeps everything dialed in for proper braking power without any crawling under the trailer. I refrain from telling folks to start with this method since you can adjust them too tight, then you won't be able to back it off as you would with a manual adjustment; I recommend just trying the first method of braking multiple times.

Any tips out there from folks doing the initial adjustment? We’d love to hear how you dialed it in.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Chris

9/3/2025

When you say “apply the brakes quite a few times” for the initial adjustment, can I just use my truck’s brake controller while towing, or do I need to wire in a manual switch at the trailer?

Andrew N.

9/3/2025

@Chris You will absolutely use your truck’s brake controller- just set it to apply the trailer brakes only (most controllers have a manual slide you can use without touching the truck’s brakes). Or just use your trucks brakes, it won't make a difference. A couple of good firm stops in a safe spot like an empty lot will seat the shoes against the drum and let the self-adjuster mechanism do its job. Have you already got a controller installed, or are you setting one up with the new brakes? Other folks, how many stops did it take before yours felt dialed in?