Troubleshooting Weak New Hydraulic Drum Trailer Brake Assemblies

Question:

I installed new dacromet coated 10inch brakes with new dexter 10inch drums. Fully bled system using 1/4inch tubing to a bottle containing some brake fluid and manually pumped the ufp a-60 actuator with a screw driver and dot 3 brake fluid until no air bubbles were seen. Adjusted the brakes until they couldnt be turned by hand and backed off 8-10 clicks. Problem is when I turn the wheels by hand and apply pressure to the actuator the brakes barely engage. My old set of brakes would stop the wheel easily. No leaks or kinks in brake lines. Do the dacromet coated brakes need less clicks or what else might it be.

asked by: Bob W

Expert Reply:

Keep tightening them until you feel a light drag as you turn the wheel. That should give you the proper tightness to lock up the wheels. Sounds like they are still too loose. Also you should try towing to see how it performs then.

expert reply by: Jameson C