how to adjust drum brakes on a trailer

How to Adjust Drum Brakes on a Trailer

Properly adjusting drum brakes on a trailer is essential for ensuring safety, performance, and longevity of the braking system. Over time, the brake shoes can wear down, making it necessary to adjust the brakes to maintain effective stopping power. This guide will walk you through the process of adjusting drum brakes on a trailer, ensuring they operate correctly and safely.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials

- Wheel chocks - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake adjuster tool (or a flathead screwdriver) - Clean cloth - Brake cleaner (optional) - Lubricant (for moving parts)

Step 1 Safety First

Before you begin any work on your trailer, safety is your number one priority. Always park the trailer on a flat, stable surface and use wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling. This is particularly important in case the jack fails.

Step 2 Lift the Trailer

Using a jack, lift the trailer from its frame until the wheel is off the ground. Secure the trailer with jack stands to ensure it remains stable while you work. It is crucial never to rely solely on the jack for support.

Step 3 Remove the Wheel

Using the lug wrench, loosen and remove the lug nuts to take off the wheel. Place the removed wheel in a secure location. With the wheel off, you will have clear access to the drum brake assembly.

Before making any adjustments, inspect the brake components. Look for signs of wear, such as cracked or chipped brake shoes, leaking brake fluid, or worn drums. If you find any damaged parts, consider replacing them before proceeding with the adjustment.

Step 5 Locate the Adjustment Mechanism

Drum brakes typically feature an adjustment mechanism, often found at the bottom of the brake assembly. This mechanism can be adjusted using a brake adjuster tool or a flathead screwdriver. It is used to increase or decrease the distance between the brake shoes and the drum.

Step 6 Adjust the Brake Shoes

1. Tightening the Adjustment Turn the adjustment screw or lever clockwise to move the brake shoes closer to the drum. You will feel resistance as you adjust. Be careful not to overtighten; you want the shoes to be close but not dragging on the drum.

2. Checking the Adjustment After making the adjustment, spin the drum by hand. There should be some resistance, but the drum should still rotate smoothly. If it drags, back off the adjustment slightly.

3. Repeat if Necessary It's best to adjust both sides of the trailer. After adjusting one side, move to the other side and repeat the same process. Ensuring that both wheels are correctly adjusted provides balanced braking power.

Step 7 Replace the Wheel

Once you are satisfied with the adjustments, replace the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Ensure that the lift jack stands are securely lowered before lowering the trailer. Once the trailer is back on the ground, securely tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Step 8 Test the Brakes

Before heading out on the road, perform a test of the brake system. Connect the trailer to your towing vehicle and gently apply the brakes to check if the trailer’s brakes engage appropriately. It is advisable to conduct this test at a low speed in a safe area to confirm the adjustments have improved braking efficiency.

Conclusion

Adjusting drum brakes on a trailer is a straightforward task that can greatly enhance your safety while towing. Regular maintenance, including brake adjustments, can prolong the life of your brakes and ensure they function correctly when you need them most. Always consult your owner's manual for specific adjustments and maintenance recommendations for your trailer's braking system. Remember, if you're ever in doubt about performing maintenance or adjustments, it’s wise to consult a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.