Adjusting Electric Brakes.

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 19:56
ThreadID: 44179 Views:14049 Replies:3 FollowUps:2
This Thread has been Archived
I am taking the wheels of the caravan next weekend to check /grease wheel bearings etc..and to make sure I can undo the wheel nuts!
While I'm at it...are the electric brakes easy to adjust..I've adjusted plenty of drum brakes and replaced disc pads...but never seen or worked on electric brakes. Any advice appreciated.
Cheers
Gerard and Anne

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: The Fox - Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 20:09

Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 20:09
From Tekonsha Site:

Appendix A: Trailer Brake Adjustment**
Brakes should be adjusted after the first 200 miles
of operation when the brake shoes and drums have
“seated” and at 3000 mile intervals, or as use and
performance requires. The brakes should be adjusted
in the following manner:
1. Jack up trailer and secure on adequate capacity
jack stands. Follow trailer manufacturers recommendations
for lifting and supporting the unit.
Check that the wheel and drum rotate freely.
WARNING Do not lift or support trailer on
any part of the axle or the suspension system.
2. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting
slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate.
3. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool,
rotate the starwheel 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.
Note:With drop spindle axles, a modified adjusting
tool with about an 80 degree angle should be used.
4. Then rotate the starwheel in the opposite
direction until the wheel turns freely with
a slight lining drag.
5. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower
the wheel to the ground.
6. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes.
WARNING Never crawl under your trailer
unless it is resting on properly placed
jack stands.
Follow the trailer manufacturers recommendations
for lifting and supporting the unit. Do not lift or
place supports on any part of the suspension system.
AnswerID: 232633

Reply By: japmel - Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 20:31

Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 20:31
Gerald & Anne,

Electric Drum Brakes are adjusted the same as any standard Drum Brake, With a Brake adjuster or flat head screw driver thought the slot at the back of the hub assembly.

Regards
John
AnswerID: 232641

Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Wednesday, Apr 11, 2007 at 15:20

Wednesday, Apr 11, 2007 at 15:20
Main trick is to keep them adjusted on a very regular basis,,
I found out, and that means every 2-3 days of driving.
Only takes a couple of minutes

The one thing I do is to back them off slightly from in the vehicle, otherwise enjoy them, as they are gr8

Cheers Mate
Bucky

AnswerID: 232746

Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Apr 12, 2007 at 09:35

Thursday, Apr 12, 2007 at 09:35
Why would you need to adjust then every 2 - 3 days?

When vehicles had drum brakes, prior to the days of self adjusters, we didn't adjust them between services.

On the subjsct of self adjusters, why don't trailers use them?
Also, I wonder why they don't use separate drums, instead of the clumsy all one drum/hub system, it would certainly make brake inspection a hell of a lot easier.
0
FollowupID: 493754

Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 07:11

Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 07:11
I'm no expert, but what I have found is that they do work brilliantly, but then they go off song very quick, ie they will start to lock up.
This is not a matter of just backing it off from the controller, but the breaks seem to work brilliantly when fully adjusted, and play up if not nipped up.
Think I just answered myself, maybe I have had them up too hard on the controller,
hence the wear.
MMMmmmmmmmmm thanks Shaker will follow that one up too !

Cheers Mate
Bucky
0
FollowupID: 493908

Sponsored Links