Adjust brakes with drop axle??

Lynnmor wrote:
I can't imagine adjusting the brake shoes with the drums off, that would take a lot of trial and error adjustments and still won't give a true adjustment. The shoes should be adjusted till there is a lot of drag so that they are centered and then backed off till there is just a hint of drag.

I have had numerous PA state inspection stations foul up my vehicles and the guy that just looks in the hole is the one I would pay extra to leave my stuff alone. I show a photo to my current inspector and he knows that my vehicles are maintained, so no disassembly for me.

The drop axles, that are the purpose of this thread, can be adjusted with the right brake spoon or a homemade tool, it ain't rocket science.

It is easy peezy to adjust the brakes when the drums are off.

Should not HAVE to make much of an adjustment if you do this EVERY YEAR unless you are dragging your brakes or driving 30,000 miles per yr..

AND your "inspector" CAN lose his license and the Inspection station CAN BE FINED for fudging the inspection records..

Yes, there are some losers for inspection mechanics but it also is not hard to find good ones either.. Just have to weed out the bad ones.

I also NEVER LEAVE the trailer, I WATCH the inspection mechanic to verify things are put back correctly..

Drum brakes are not rocket science, been dealing with them since the 1970s when they were standard issue on cars and trucks on all four wheels.

Besides how do you really inspect the brake lining and other mechanical function wear if you NEVER remove the drums???

Don't tell me through that plug opening either, you cannot see the entire brake shoes, cannot look at all the surface, cannot see the wear or damage on the drum and worst of all never know if your bearings are set correctly or have enough grease if you are this lazy..

I am simply amazed at the great lengths folks go to to avoid pulling the drums, it is easier than trying to spoon your brakes and spooning CAN easily overtighten the brakes..