Do Self-Adjusting Brakes Need Manual Adjustment After Installation?

Question

Question:

I recently purchased 4 x 10 self adjusting brake assemblies from e-trailer. Installed and taken on 1 short trip. Two of the four brakes require adjusting. I've pulled off the plugs from the backing plate and there appears to be no way to manually expand the brake shoes. How do I set these up to work properly please. The installation video is unclear about initial set up. Do I need to pull the wheel and drum off to adjust from inside? Your assistance with this is appreciated. Shipping, tracking and confirmation e-mails were excellent by the way. Now to get things working.

asked by: Mike O

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Expert Reply:

The trailer brake assemblies you have, # AKEBRK-35L-SA and # AKEBRK-35R-SA, are self-adjusting, and after the initial installation will eventually adjust themselves so that they are all working with the same efficiency. The adjustment takes place each time you apply the brakes, and since you only took a short trip, it is likely that they are simply not fully adjusted right now.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

Self adjusting brake assemblies actually don't technically require an initial adjustment. If you want to install them and then while traveling slowly in like a parking lot situation apply the manual override lever of your brake controller…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 4

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 5

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 6

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 7

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 8

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

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Answer 9

I currently have three diffrent self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes which are attached for you below. eTrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #AKEBRK-35-SA (3,500 Axles) Dexter…

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Answer 10

You will need to do some measuring to determine if the 10 Inch Electric Brake Assembly LH, item #AKEBRK-35L, is the correct assembly for your trailer. Measure the diameter of the mounted brake shoe, the width of the lining and the distance between…

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Answer 11

If you already have brake drums you will not have to replace them unless they are damaged or became overheated and have discoloration on the inside armature surface where the magnet rides, grooves in the armature surface, or severe wear where the…

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Answer 12

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a…

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