Can Self-Adjusting Brakes Use Brake Shoes From Manual Adjust Brake Assemblies

Question:

Changed electric brake shoes on 5th wheel camper from self adjusting shoes to regular shoes now I don’t have a locking mechanism for the star adjuster and it turns easily. Is this safe or should I be concerned about self adjusting rolling down the road or brake action? Appreciate your opinion as I’m leaving next week on a 2000 mile trip

asked by: Rick M

Expert Reply:

This is not safe. You can't mix the regular shoes with your self-adjusting brake assemblies. You will need to either replace the other hardware in the assembly to make it a full manual assembly, or use self-adjusting shoes. You could also replace the assembly entirely which may ultimately save you money if you end up having to replace other parts. More than likely you would need one of the following:

-Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA

-Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA

If you let me know your axle capacity I would be happy to see if a different replacement assembly or self-adjusting brake shoes are available.

expert reply by: Robin H