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.
**Note: Trailer Brake Adjustment procedures courtesy Dexter Axle.
11