Weak Stopping Power After Installing Self-Adjusting Trailer Brakes

Question:

I recently installed a new electric brake assembly on my 2019 alpha wolf, it was a forward self adjusting whole bolt on assembly.after I was finished I had my wife hit the brakes while I spun the wheel.i could hear the buzz of the magnets but it did not stop the wheel,I then had her use the slide lever or manual brake lever on the controller, the wheel stopped instanly.but now whenever we use it to go camping ,I feel the drums when we get there,the new one is cold and the other 3 are hot? but if I stop using the slide lever,all 4 drums are hot. I never adjusted the new brakes because the dealer said they were self adjusting.i thought maybe I confused the wires ,but the it wouldnt work with the manual brake lever . Not sure what to do now. Do you think its out of adjustment or wiring issue. I have put about 200 miles on it now with no change

asked by: Greg S

Expert Reply:

In regards to self-adjusting braking assemblies, there is still an initial adjustment required although you do not need to make continual adjustments for even brake pad wear. In order to make the initial adjustment all you will need to do is take the trailer to an open parking lot and hit the manual override a few times while in motion as this would then set the braking adjustment.

If you still have issues after this initial adjustment then you need to make sure you have the assemblies installed on the correct sides as they are side specific. The pivot arm inside the braking assemblies should be facing the front of the trailer but if they are not you need to switch them.

Finally, inspect all of your wires as well as the ground making sure the grounds are as close to the braking assemblies as possible on the axle tube.

expert reply by: Conner L