How To Manually Adjust Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Brakes

Updated 07/09/2026 | Published 07/02/2026

Question:

Nev-R-Adjust Dexter 10 by 2-1/4 inch 4.4k Brake, I ordered these to put on my camper. I have installed them, but need more info on how to manually adjust them.

asked by: ROBERT W

Expert Reply:

Hey Robert, thanks for reaching out. Since these are Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes, they will automatically keep themselves adjusted during normal use, but Dexter still recommends performing an initial adjustment after installation. You can manually adjust them through the backing plate using a flat-blade screwdriver. Turn the star wheel until you feel a firm drag when rotating the drum by hand. You should be able to turn the hub by hand, but it shouldn't spin freely.

Just be careful manually adjusting the Nev-R-Adjust brakes. You can increase the braking pressure, but if you go too far, there is no way to dial it back.

Once you've got your initial adjustment dialed in, the self-adjusting feature will take over. Then you'll just need to do the bedding process. Find a long flat stretch of road, speed up to about 40 mph, then use the manual override on your brake controller to slow the vehicle down to about 20 mph. Repeat this process 20-30 times and you should be good. This will allow the new brakes to bed into the drums and provide proper braking power.

What kind of camper do you have?

expert reply by: Jesse M