Brake Adjustment Tool for Changing Braking Pressure on Electric Drum Brake

Question:

I just replaced all 4 of my brakes complete non self adjustable The old ones were self adjusting and had some of the wires broken and werent working and destroyed the old assemblies. The new magnets dont seem to be catching when applied. I hear a humming sound from each wheel but when I apply the trailer brake it doesnt stop the trailer. Help.

asked by: Dwayne B

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your four new manual-adjust trailer brakes just need some adjustment to get the appropriate tension on the drum surfaces. Since you hear the magnets humming you know you have correctly made the wiring connections.

Electric drum brakes have a star wheel adjuster on their lower ends, close to the magnets. This is shown in the linked video at the 45-second mark and the opening to access the star wheel on the rear of the brake assembly is shown in the included photo. When adjusted correctly you should be able to feel and hear some drag but still be able to rotate the wheel by hand.

We recommend using Brake Spoon tool # W80630 which is angled correctly for easily making this adjustment. The second video of the tool shows how to use it. Rotate the wheel upward for increased brake tension.

You will need to make your initial pressure setting and then drive the trailer a while to help the new shoes settle in, and then make another adjustment after some miles are on them.

expert reply by: Adam R