Does It Make A Difference If Brake Assemblies Are Installed On The Wrong Side?

Question:

I purchased AKEBRK-7-SA. I did not notice that they were labeled inch right and left. Does it make a difference if I did not install them on the designated side? Also, do you sell a brake adjuster tool. The one I have does not fit the curve. Thanks

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

The sides do matter on brake assemblies, but are not side specific on hubs. The # AKEBRK-7-SA comes with both the left and right hand assemblies, and there should be stickers to decipher them. If the stickers aren't present, the shorter pad on the brake shoe of each assembly should be facing the front of the trailer. If you need to decipher left side from right side, the driver's side is the left side.

The reason why the brakes are side specific is that the brake magnet is designed to be on the bottom of the assembly. When installed on the opposite side or upside down, gravity will pull the magnet to one side or the other making it less effective based on location inside the drum riding closer to the axle. The different size brake shoe will also give you a different friction for braking when installed backwards and the self-adjusting feature may not function as precisely.

We do have the brake adjustment spoon # W80630 for the initial adjustment of your self-adjusting brakes. They will adjust as needed after that initial setup.

expert reply by: Jason S