adjust trailer drum brakes

Adjusting Trailer Drum Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

Trailer drum brakes are crucial for the safety and performance of your towing setup. Proper adjustment of these brakes ensures that your trailer stops effectively, reduces wear on brake components, and enhances overall driving safety. In this article, we will delve into the importance of adjusting trailer drum brakes and provide a step-by-step guide to help you maintain them effectively.

Why Adjust Trailer Drum Brakes?

Over time, the brake shoes inside the drum wear down due to friction as they come into contact with the spinning drum. If the brakes are not adjusted regularly, this wear can lead to a decreased braking performance, increasing the risk of accidents and lengthy stopping distances. Additionally, improperly adjusted brakes can result in uneven wear, further complicating braking efficiency and potentially leading to costly repairs.

Tools Needed for Adjustment

Before starting, make sure you have the following tools on hand

1. A jack and jack stands 2. A wheel chock 3. A lug wrench 4. A brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver 5. A tape measure (for ensuring proper clearance)

Step-by-Step Adjustment Process

1. Safety First Begin by parking the trailer on level ground. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels to ensure that the trailer does not roll during the adjustment process.

2. Lift the Trailer Using a jack, lift the trailer and secure it with jack stands. This gives you access to the wheel and drum assembly.

3. Remove the Wheel Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel lug nuts and take off the wheel, exposing the drum brake assembly.

4. Inspect the Brake Components Before adjusting, visually inspect the brake shoes and drum for signs of wear. If the shoes are excessively worn or the drum is damaged, consider replacing them.

5. Adjust the Brake Shoes Locate the adjuster, which is usually a small lever or a star wheel mechanism. Turn the adjuster clockwise to expand the brake shoes against the drum. Ensure that the shoes are snug against the drum, but not too tight, as this can cause dragging.

6. Check the Clearance After adjusting, rotate the drum to ensure it moves freely. You should be able to hear a slight rubbing sound; if there is too much resistance, back off the adjustment slightly.

7. Replace the Wheel Once satisfied with the adjustment, replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure even torque.

8. Repeat for Other Wheels Repeat the adjustment process for any additional wheels on the trailer equipped with drum brakes.

9. Test Drive Finally, take the trailer for a slow test drive to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly. Make note of any noises or unusual vibrations.

In conclusion, regularly adjusting your trailer's drum brakes is vital for ensuring safe and reliable braking performance. By following this straightforward guide, you can enhance safety and extend the life of your braking system. Always remember that when in doubt, consult a professional mechanic to ensure your trailer is roadworthy.