How to Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes

Question:

I think my brakes need adjusting. But the star wheel has cerated teeth that only allow it to be turned one way... down. Since the teeth point up, I cant turn it up to tighten the shoes against the drum. I have adjusted the thumb wheel all the way and the brakes dont grab enough to stop the vehicle when I press the slide switch. After I stop several times down the road, the brakes will grab when I move the slide switch. Is this star wheel different from the true star wheel?

asked by: Jimmy W

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brake adjuster wheel on your trailer has an issue. The teeth shouldn't be pointed in one direction or the other. I've attached a photo to assist.

If you look at the attached video the 4:24 mark will show this brake adjustment which will show moving the adjuster up to tighten and then moving it down about 10 clicks to back the shoes off for proper function with just a slight drag on the hub.

I recommend replacing your assemblies as you shouldn't need to use your manual override to grab enough braking strength. That should be only for emergency stopping. You may want to consider using the self-adjusting assemblies that will not require the maintenance you are currently doing to keep the brakes functional. For 12 inch assemblies use # AKEBRK-7-SA and for 10 inch assemblies # AKEBRK-35-SA.

expert reply by: Jason S