How To Adjust Electric Brakes On Camping Trailer

Question:

I have a 2014 Casita 17foot camper with Dexter axle and electric brakes. I have noticed a scraping noise ever since I first added grease about a year after purchase. Last summer I replaced bearings races and rear seal. It still makes noise even when not hooked up to brake controller. Mainly on curb side. Hub temps are acceptable. Street side spins more freely also. I think the brakes may be rubbing on that side. I see the slots on the back side of the hub and vaguely remember seeing someone adjusting brakes with those slots. How is that done? Dont want to make problem worse.

asked by: Tom D

Expert Reply:

To adjust the brakes, you will need to raise the trailer and secure it on adequate capacity jack stands. Check that the wheel and drum rotate freely. Do not lift or support trailer on any part of the axle or the suspension system. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool like part # W80630, rotate the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn. Then rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction until the wheel turns freely with a slight lining drag. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the wheel to the ground. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes.

I have attached a link to a video that explains how to install and adjust brakes. At about the 4:40 mark it shows how to adjust the brakes.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L