how to adjust drum brakes on trailer

How to Adjust Drum Brakes on a Trailer

Keeping your trailer's drum brakes properly adjusted is crucial for safety and effective braking performance. Over time, brake shoes can wear down, leading to reduced braking efficiency and uneven wear. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to adjust drum brakes on your trailer effectively.

1. Gather Your Tools Before you start, ensure you have the necessary tools at hand. You will need a jack and jack stands, a lug wrench, a brake adjusting tool or screwdriver, and possibly some brake cleaner.

2. Safety First Always prioritize safety. Park your trailer on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. If you're working on a single axle trailer, it’s advisable to block the wheels on the opposite side to prevent any movement.

3. Remove the Wheel Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, then lift the trailer with a jack and secure it with jack stands. Once the trailer is stable, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel to expose the brake drum.

4. Inspect the Brake Components Before adjusting, inspect the brake shoes and drum for wear or damage. If the shoes are worn below the manufacturer’s recommended thickness or if the drum is scored, consider replacing them.

5. Locate the Brake Adjuster Inside the brake assembly, you'll find an adjuster mechanism—either a star wheel adjuster or a lever type. The adjuster can usually be accessed through an inspection hole in the backing plate.

6. Adjust the Brakes To tighten the brakes, turn the adjuster wheel or lever in the direction indicated (usually clockwise). This will expand the brake shoes until they make slight contact with the drum. If you're unsure, you can use the brake adjusting tool or a flathead screwdriver for manual adjustment. Ensure you adjust each brake on the axle evenly for balanced performance.

7. Test the Adjustment After adjusting, spin the drum to check for any dragging. If the drum does not rotate freely, back off the adjustment slightly. It’s essential that the drum has a slight clearance to prevent overheating and wear.

8. Reassemble and Test Once satisfied with the adjustment, reinstall the wheel, tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern, lower the trailer, and finalize the tightness of the lug nuts. Finally, take the trailer for a short test drive to ensure the brakes engage and release properly.

By following these steps, you can maintain the functionality of your trailer's drum brakes, ensuring safe and reliable transport on the road. Regular checks and adjustments can prevent more significant issues down the line, keeping both you and others safe.