Electric Trailer Brakes Not Engaging After New Install  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The first thing that I recommend is that you make sure each braking assembly is grounded to a bare metal surface as close to that braking assembly as possible. Once this is checked you can then move onto the wire that leads from one side to the other. I recommend you check this wire for voltage drop using a meter. It is recommended to use 10 gauge wire for the brake circuit, part # 10-1-1. Finally, I recommend that you check the adjustment using the procedure outlined below.

1. Jack up coach and secure on adequate capacity jack stands. Follow coach manufacturer’s recommendations for lifting and supporting the coach. Make sure the wheel and drum rotates freely.
2. Remove the rubber plug from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate (Fig. 2).
3. Insert a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool into the adjusting slot to rotate the starwheel (Fig. 3) of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn.
4. Then rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction until the wheel turns freely with a slight lining drag.
Note: A second screwdriver will be needed to push the auto adjusting lever away from the starwheel so that the starwheel can be rotated backwards.
5. Replace the rubber plug in the adjusting slot and lower the wheel to the ground.
6. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes. For best results, the brakes should all be set at the same clearance.

expert reply by: Conner L

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