how to adjust drum brakes on a trailer

How to Adjust Drum Brakes on a Trailer

Adjusting the drum brakes on your trailer is a crucial maintenance task that ensures safe towing and prevents excessive wear on your braking system. Improperly adjusted brakes can lead to reduced braking efficiency, increased stopping distances, and uneven tire wear. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively adjust your trailer’s drum brakes.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s essential to understand how drum brakes work. Drum brakes consist of a drum connected to the wheel and brake shoes that press against the inside of the drum to create friction. Over time, the brake shoes wear down, leading to a gap between the shoes and drum, which can decrease braking performance. Regular adjustments are necessary to maintain optimal shoe-to-drum contact.

Tools Required

To adjust your trailer drum brakes, you will need the following tools

- A jack and jack stands - A tire iron or lug wrench - A brake adjuster tool or flathead screwdriver - A measuring tool (optional) - Safety goggles and gloves

1. Safety First Begin by parking your trailer on a flat surface and engaging the parking brake. Always wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself during the process.

2. Raise the Trailer Use a jack to lift the trailer and then position jack stands securely for stability. Remove the wheel that you will be working on using the tire iron.

3. Access the Brake Drum Once the wheel is off, you will have access to the brake drum. Inspect the drum for any obvious signs of wear or damage before proceeding.

4. Locate the Adjuster Inside the drum, locate the brake adjuster. This is usually a small star wheel or an eccentric adjuster that can be turned to increase or decrease the spacing between the brake shoes.

5. Adjust the Brakes Using a brake adjuster tool or flathead screwdriver, turn the adjuster in the direction that tightens the brake shoes against the drum. Make slight adjustments while periodically checking the drum’s free spin. The drum should spin with slight resistance but not be too tight, which could generate heat and lead to premature wear.

6. Check Brake Shoes With the drum still off, visually inspect the brake shoes for wear. The material should not be less than 1/16 inch thick. If the shoes are excessively worn, they should be replaced rather than just adjusted.

7. Repeat for Other Wheels If your trailer has multiple axles, repeat the adjustment process for each wheel.

8. Reassemble and Test Once all adjustments are complete, reattach the wheel and lower the trailer. Ensure all lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. After reassembling, take the trailer for a short test drive to feel the braking performance.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance of your trailer’s drum brakes is essential for safe towing. Adjusting your brakes not only helps improve performance but also extends the life of your braking system. Be sure to check your brakes regularly, especially before long trips or after extensive use. If you feel uncomfortable performing this maintenance yourself, or if you notice significant wear and tear, it’s best to consult with a professional mechanic. Safe travels!