Do Nev-R-Adjust Brakes Need Adjusting if Only One Side is Replaced

Question:

I recently installed some Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes which I purchased from e-trailer. However, after I installed them I discovered that the line to my right side brake was bad and had to be changed. This means I went about 200 miles using only the brakes on the left side. Should the self-adjusting mechanism be able to ‘catch-up’ to the other one or is there anything I need to do because only one was operating for 200 miles?

asked by: Corey

Helpful Expert Reply:

Ideally, brake assemblies on both sides should be replaced at the same time to ensure balanced braking performance. However, it's very common for people to choose to only replace brakes on one side of the trailer and the other side at a later time, which is what unintentionally happened in your situation, with the right side of the # 23-468-469 being installed but never put to use.

Once the wiring has been repaired or replaced on your trailer, I recommend running through the steps of the initial set-up once again, on both sides, just to be safe. This can be done by turning the adjuster nut out until the linings create a strong drag on the drum as it is rotated, then backing off the nut 6-8 notches so that the drum rotates freely. You can adjust the Nev-R-Adjust brakes up with a screw driver or a brake spoon # W80630, but you'll need to pull the adjuster lever away from the star wheel to turn the star wheel in reverse so you can back off the adjustment.

Per the manufacturer's installation instructions, the brakes must be re-burnished to seat the new components. To do this, apply the brakes 20-30 times from an initial speed of 40 mph, slowing the vehicle to 20 mph. Allow ample time for the brakes to cool between applications. Doing this allows the new brake shoes on the right side to seat into the drum surface and the left side to be adjusted as close as possible to the other side.

expert reply by: Carla M