After Replacing Trailer Brakes the Brakes are Still Weak

Question:

I replaced my 30 year old brakes with these new drums and your electric backing plates to match. I was hoping to see an improvement in braking on my 11,000 lb boat/trailer but there seems to be little difference. Is there anything I can do to improve stopping?

asked by: Jeff N

Expert Reply:

When you installed the new brakes did you adjust them? Drum brakes require an initial adjustment and then periodic adjustment (for manual adjust brakes) to keep them at optimum braking performance. Basically you will know the brakes are adjusted properly when you hear a slight but constant drag of the brakes on the drum when the wheel is turned. To see how to manually adjust trailer brake assemblies check out the video I attached, fast-forward to the 4:35 mark of the video. I recommend using adjustment spoon # W80630 to make adjustments to the brakes.

If you have hydraulic brakes then you may need to bleed the brakes to make sure there is no air in the lines. Follow the bleeding procedure for your actuator.

expert reply by: Michael H