How to Initially Adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes

Question

Question:

I.m trying to do the manual adjust, but theres a 1/2 inch flat lever in the way. I assume thats the auto adjust lever. do I really need to manual adjust? How many brake applicationd should it take to do the auto adj. instead? Thanks

asked by: Steve S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a tool with a fine edge such as a flat head screw driver for the adjustment wheel on these brakes. A brake adjustment tool may be too thick.

Without an initial manual adjustment, it could take a few braking attempts to adjust the brakes. I was talking with one of my installers and he said, if it will not create a dangerous situation, a few hard braking attempts is a good way to adjust the brakes. Have the truck and trailer on a fairly smooth and level surface, slowly accelerate to no more than 20 mph, then step on the brakes.

If the brakes seem like they need to be adjusted quite a bit, then manually adjusting them first would be best. This would get them closer to the correct adjustment and then a few braking attempts should finish the job.

expert reply by: John H

1

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Robert H.

6/30/2020

I need to loosen the adjustment on a nev-r-adjust Dexter axle similar to the one pictiured. The present adjustment is to tight to remove the drum. From your video, it looks like the adjustment teeth behind the "lever" are notched such that it can only be tightened manually. Any suggestions?

Reply

Mark T.

4/23/2021

@RobertH, Use a 90 degree pick to reach under the adjuster plate and lift it up and towards you. Now you will have full access to the star wheel to back it off as needed.

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

I have included a link to a video on adjusting self-adjusting brakes. Basically there is a device on the adjustment wheel on these brakes that prevents the shoes from adjusting back inward. You have to sort of move that out of the way to be able to…

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Answer 3

Trailer brakes are not designed to lock up contrary to many comments. If they were not under load and just free spinning on a jack then they should lock up, but when weight is on them and they are rolling you don't want trailer wheels to lock…

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Answer 4

The #AKEBRK-35L-SA Self Adjusting brake assemblies will adjust themselves as you drive after the initial installation. The front brakes will always bear a bit more of the braking work, because more of the trailer weight is normally on the most…

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Answer 5

You are not wrong but at the same time you do not want trailer brakes to lock up. The brakes you have, #23-468-469, are self-adjusting but it takes some time for the shoes to extend out far enough for normal braking. This is why we recommend making…

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

My contact at Dexter did confirm that the #23-468 Nev-R-Adjust brake assemblies will adjust themselves as you drive after the initial installation, but we still recommend that you do adjust the shoes when you first install the assemblies, so that…

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Answer 8

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 9

The biggest difference between the servo styles that you'll notice is between free backing plates and the others. The free-backing plates will allow your trailer to back up without having the brakes lock up. With surge brakes typically when you…

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Answer 10

Dexter 10-Inch Nev-R-Adjust electric drum brakes #23-468 and #23-469 have a star wheel for initial adjustment, just like regular brakes do, but with these self-adjusting brakes you'll mount them and install your wheel/tire and then rotate the…

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Answer 11

On this page (typically below the product links) there is a helpful link section that will have the install instructions fo the Hopkins Breakaway kit part #20400 that you referenced. I also attached an install video that shows the kit installed as…

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Answer 12

The length of wire desired depends on your vehicle connection and your personal preference. You want enough slack for turning, but not so much for dragging as you mentioned. A little extra slack isn't a problem and not enough could lead to stress…

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How to Initially Adjust the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes

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