Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes that Were Once Stronger

Question:

I have 2003 F250 pulling a 30foot fifth wheel. Tekonsha 90160 brake controller. 5 years ago i could lock the breaks with manual level have not been able to do that since. is there a voltage i should have at the trailer connection with manual lever? and voltage at the wheel? I replaced the backing plates, shoes, magnet and still cannot lock brakes

asked by: Keith

Expert Reply:

Sounds like the brake assemblies may just need to be adjusted. If the assemblies do not have the proper tension they will not be very strong.

Use a brake adjustment tool to turn the starwheel on the adjuster to expand the brake shoes until the wheel is very difficult to turn by hand. Then back off the starwheel in the other direction, about 10 clicks until the brakes drag slightly. Make sure all brake assemblies are adjusted in the same manner.

Check out the video (see link). Beginning at the 4:23 mark, our installer shows how to adjust your trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C