Adjusting Trailor Brakes

CoonDogger

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2006
Location
Jacksonville, NC
I have an 07 Kaufman 16.5 car hauler. Brakes on one axle, and I am using the Prodigy brake controller. I need to know the easiest way to adjust the drum brakes on it. I have layed under it on numerious occasions and turned the little adjuster just like you do for all drum brakes and it doesn't seem to get any better. I know I have power going to the brakes because I can hear them "clicking" as the magnets smack when it's sitting in the yard. I cannot get them to lock up on the highway, and I can only feel resistance on them when I have the gained turned all of the way up and it set on "Boost" setting #3.

Facing the drum from underneith the trailor do I turn the dial up or down? Am I doing it correctly?

Controller works flawlessly on any other trailor I pull.
 
Possibly pull off a tire/wheel and take a look. With 1 brake axle and running it hard you may have wore down the shoes. The benefit of this is you can also inspect the bearings.

You will also be able to see that its being adjusted properly. Also consider adding brakes to the 2nd axle, it will help your brakes last longer.
 
I have a set of New old stock brake pan assemblies that I'll sell you.
$20 a wheel.

PM me if interested.
 
yager said:
Possibly pull off a tire/wheel and take a look. With 1 brake axle and running it hard you may have wore down the shoes. The benefit of this is you can also inspect the bearings.

You will also be able to see that its being adjusted properly. Also consider adding brakes to the 2nd axle, it will help your brakes last longer.
Click to expand...

X2

When I have changed brakes in the past I always turn the adjuster by hand untill I can't put the drum on, then I back it off some, remembering which direction I need to turn it and put drum on and then start adjusting. I adjust till I can spin the wheel with a little effort and it goes one rotation. That's when I consider them adjusted.

Also take a look at drum wear while you have it apart. Something I found out with mine is that when they get too much slack in the brakes, parts tend to want to come apart and grind into shreds inside the drum
 
All of this is good info. Thanks. Are drums and brake shoes are pretty much standard for all 3500 lb. axles? Just pick them up at Agri. Supply or Tractor Supply?
 
I got all my brake parts from Northern.

On something that new, I'd say your bearings may have bedded in, letting the wheel wobble a little.. that reduces their effectiveness.

But x3 on pulling the drum and having a look-see. make sure you don't over-grease the bearings, or the grease can contaminate the shoes as well.
 
The last time I pulled the brakes apart on a buddies trailer, the wires for the magnet were melted!!!! I tried to repair, but wound up getting a new magnet. It just seemed that the brakes on only one axle was just not cutting it. Especially if you drive in the mountains!!!!!
 
trailer brakes

I work on a number of trailers at the shop. I have found it cheaper to replace the whole backing plate assembly which comes with all new parts. I adjust the same way as described above in previous reply. Look for a smooth surface on the drum for the magnet to seat too. If it is grooved up alot the brakes will not perform well.
 
jack up wheel that your going to adjust brakes on, adjust shoes out untill you feel a light drag on the tire when spinning it, then back em off a 1/4 turn. do all 4 same way.
 
Back
Top