How to Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies
Question:
I bought a new 20ft Lamar deck over trailer and I need to adjust the electric brakes on the trailer so it will stop under load. How do I do it?
asked by: Alvin M
Expert Reply:
On the back of each brake backing plate, you'll find an oblong hole near the bottom, which might be covered with a mud and crud plug. Once you pry the plug out, you can use a brake adjusting tool like # W80630 to adjust the brakes. A flat blade screwdriver can be used, but an adjusting tool is easier to use. Put the trailer up on jack stands. Grab the teeth on the star wheel with the screwdriver or adjusting tool and run the brake shoes all the way out until you can't spin the wheel by hand. Then back off the star wheel by about 10 notches until you feel a very slight drag. Repeat this on all the brakes.
I've linked to a video showing how this is done. Fast forward to the 4:40 mark, and Joe will show you how to adjust the brakes..
If you have self adjusting brakes, you can still initially adjust them this way, or you can do several braking events at low speed (10-20 times) and the brakes will self adjust after that.
Products Referenced in This Question
Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Adjuster
- Brake Adjuster Tool
- Performance Tool
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 8 on 6-1/2
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7K E-Z Lube Axle - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased - 1/2" Stud
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub & Drum for 5,200- to 7,000-lb Axles - 8 on 6-1/2 - 9/16" Studs - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs
- Search Results: 23~465
- Search Results: wheel center cap
- Search Results: gooseneck and fifth wheel adapters
- Search Results: wheel center caps
- Search Results: 23~464
- Q&A: New Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Trailer Brakes are Not Locking Up
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Video: Choosing the Best Trailer Bearing Races Caps and Seals
- Q&A: When Should Trailer Wheel Bearings be Replaced
- Q&A: How to Determine Replacement Trailer Wheel Bearing Sizes
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer License Plate Light w/ Bracket - 5 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Shop: Lionshead Trailer Wheel Center Cap w/ Snap-In Plug - 4.88" to 4.9" Pilot - Stainless
- Shop: 14 Gauge Primary Wire - Brown - per Foot
- Search Results: rubber cap
- Search Results: 023~465~00
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: All About the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Recommended 7-Way Connector for a 2022 Hyundai Tucson
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install 7-Way on 2022 Hyundai Tucson For Brake Controller
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller - Tow Pro Liberty Proportional Controller - RED24FR
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Video: What to Know About the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller
- Video: Install: Curt Trailer Connector Adapter on a 2022 Hyundai Tucson
- Video: Install: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation on a 2023 Hyundai Tucson
on Accessories and Parts
