Adjusting self adjusting brakes

There definitely needs to be a star wheel or they can't auto-adjust. There should be two slots at the bottom of the backing plate. The star is behind the slot closest to the rear of the trailer and toward the read of the slot. This is a right (Passenger) side photo.


Click For Full-Size Image.

Some do not have the star wheel. Opening but no manual adjustment.
Are you working on trailer or truck?

Maybe they put it on backwards at the factory. The only reason I'm suggesting this is because I just did some work on my wheels (replacing lugs) and while I was pounding in the lugs I accidentally clipped the emergency brakes. A spring and the self adjuster fell off. When I put those parts back on, the self adjuster was backwards and I had to reinstall the next day.