Properly adjusted electric trailer brake shoes are vital for maintaining effective braking performance and ensuring safe towing. Over time, brake shoes can wear down and lose their efficiency, leading to longer stopping distances and potential safety hazards. In this guide, we will cover how to adjust electric trailer brake shoes, why it’s important, and some best practices for maintaining your trailer brakes.
Why Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Shoes?
Brake shoes are a key component in your trailer’s braking system. Over time, these shoes wear down, requiring adjustments to maintain the proper distance between the brake shoes and the brake drum. Properly adjusted brake shoes provide:
- Improved Safety: When brake shoes are correctly adjusted, the trailer can stop efficiently and safely, even under heavy loads.
- Extended Brake Life: Regular adjustments help to prevent excessive wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your brake shoes and other braking components.
- Consistent Performance: Well-adjusted brake shoes ensure even braking, preventing dangerous situations like trailer sway or jackknifing.
How Do Electric Trailer Brake Shoes Work?
Electric trailer brake shoes operate by creating friction against the brake drum when activated by the brake controller. The brake controller sends an electrical signal to the magnets inside the brake assembly, which engage the brake shoes, pushing them outward against the brake drum. This friction slows down the wheels, bringing the trailer to a stop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Electric Trailer Brake Shoes
If you want to adjust your electric trailer brake shoes properly, follow these steps:
1. Park the Trailer Safely
Start by parking your trailer on a flat, stable surface. Secure the trailer with wheel chocks to prevent any movement during the brake adjustment process. If the trailer is connected to a vehicle, make sure the parking brake is engaged.
2. Lift the Trailer
Use a jack to lift the trailer’s axle until the wheels are off the ground. Secure the trailer with jack stands to ensure stability and safety during the adjustment process. Once lifted, remove the wheels to access the brake assemblies.
3. Locate the Adjustment Slot
On most electric trailer brakes, there is an adjustment slot located on the rear of the brake backing plate. Remove the rubber plug that covers the slot to expose the star wheel adjuster. This adjuster controls the position of the brake shoes within the brake drum.
4. Adjust the Brake Shoes
Using a brake spoon or flat-head screwdriver, rotate the star wheel adjuster. Turn the adjuster upwards to move the brake shoes outward toward the brake drum. Continue rotating the adjuster until the brake shoes lightly contact the drum, and the wheel becomes difficult to turn by hand.
5. Fine-Tune the Adjustment
Once the brake shoes are close to the brake drum, back off the adjuster slightly to allow the wheel to spin freely with minimal resistance. The goal is to have a slight drag on the wheel, but not so much that the brake shoes are constantly rubbing against the drum.
6. Repeat for All Wheels
After adjusting the brake shoes on one wheel, repeat the process for each remaining wheel on your trailer. It’s important to adjust all of the brake shoes evenly to ensure balanced braking performance.
7. Test the Brakes
Once all brake shoes have been adjusted, reinstall the wheels and lower the trailer back to the ground. Take the trailer for a test drive in a safe area. Use the brake controller to engage the brakes and ensure they engage smoothly and proportionally. Make any additional adjustments as necessary to achieve optimal performance.
Maintenance Tips for Electric Trailer Brake Shoes
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your electric trailer brakes functioning effectively. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your brake shoes and braking system:
- Inspect Regularly: Check the brake shoes, drums, and magnets for wear or damage. Replace any worn components promptly to maintain proper braking performance.
- Clean the Brake Assemblies: Over time, dust, rust, and debris can accumulate on the brake components. Regularly clean the brake assemblies to ensure smooth operation.
- Check the Wiring: Inspect the wiring connections for any signs of corrosion or damage. Faulty wiring can compromise the performance of your electric trailer brakes.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply grease to the star wheel adjuster and other moving parts to ensure they remain functional and easy to adjust.
Conclusion
Adjusting electric trailer brake shoes is a crucial aspect of maintaining your trailer’s braking system. By following these steps and maintaining your brakes regularly, you can ensure that your trailer is always ready for safe and efficient towing. Properly adjusted brake shoes will give you peace of mind, knowing that your trailer will stop smoothly and safely, no matter the load.