We have a new 3001W Windjammer with ez lube axles and torflex suspension. How do I identify whether I have Dexter's self-adjusting brakes? None of the documentation with the trailer gives this info. Is it possible to identify without pulling the drums?

The difference between 'self' adjusting and 'non' adjusting brakes is an actuating cable and adjusting lever that engages the adjustment star wheel.Pull the rubber plug(s) on inside lower area of backing plate.Shine a good strong pin point flashlight in and see if there is a lever (bar) sitting on top of star wheel.The star wheel can not be moved when manually adjusting brakes without lifting that lever up off star wheel.And if you have NO documentation of trailer having self adjusting brakes probably doesn't have them........typically those are an upgrade/option vs standard equipment.The EZ-Lube and Torsion Axles are standard on your trailer

The adjusting wheel will move one way with self adjusting.

Okay, this example is not for a trailer axle, but my old 97 F150 that had rear drum brakes that were self adjusting... ;)I could turn the star wheel in either direction to set them.. You could feel and hear the clicking of the spring loaded cable that was set to turn the star wheel in the 'tighter' direction when backing up and applying the brakes..They worked fine, but did require adjustment when replacing the shoes.. And then some fine tuning afterward.I don't think there would be anyway of telling if that cable/adjusting lever are present by looking thru the adjusting hole?? I could barely see the start wheel on mine..On my TT, it has the same exact star wheel as the truck had.. Just no cable or adjusting lever to spin it 'automatically'..Good luck!Mitch

I was interested to read the self adjust works in FORWARD. That's wonderful as we don't to that many Forward-Stop/Backward-Stop maneuvers as needed to adjust the old-school automotive self-adjust brakes.To me, a self-adjust feature for RV use that didn't adjust in normal driving would not be worth having.

Dexter Self-Adjusting Brakes? | Good Sam Community

doughere
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
The self adjusting Dexter 3500# brakes I received seem to adjust during both forward or reverse braking. The adjusting cable is attached to the forward shoe, but that shoe is moved out by the magnet in both forward or reverse braking.

Doug
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 19, 2014
The reason they are 'forward self adjusting' is the adjustment cable is actuated by the movement of the primary (front) shoe which is actuated by the magnet rotation.
The primary shoe also causes the secondary shoe to engage.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Apr 19, 2014
Thanks for all the info folks.
j-d
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2014

Plenty of pix of these brakes but I haven't seen any focusing on the adjuster.

This Page describes break-in and there are a couple links from it to other info about the brakes.

From what I've seen on automotive drum brakes and read so far here, a saw-toothed adjust wheel PLUS a lever meshing into it indicate a self-adjusting brake. I haven't tracked this issue, so I don't know if there's a backward-adjusting version or only the Forward Self Adjust (FSA) we're talking about here.
Lspangler
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
I just adjusted mine yesterday. Mine had the lever blocking the wheel and saw tooth shaped teeth. I was able to move the wheel in both directions.

My trailer is new and at max on my brake controller I had very little braking.

From the dealer I had one wheel set tight and three loose. I will be towing it a few hundred miles in a few weeks and will check again.

What do the forward adjusting brakes look like? How do I know if I have them?

Linc
j-d
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2014
Eastern Marine has lots of brake parts and runs pretty good sales. Worthwhile to get on their email list. At least with the smaller brakes, it's very cost effective to replace the whole assembly than fool around with Shoes, Magnets, Hardware...
doughere
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
I recently replaced all 4 brake assemblies with the Dexter self adjusting brakes. The cost was $10 extra per assembly, but well worth it, I am very satisfied !

I don't know how well you will be able to see through the adjusting hole, but if you can see through, you could tell if they are self adjusting by looking for the lever. Also, the "star" wheel rather than having little roundish bumps as usual (don't know how else to describe) will have what appears to be more like sawtooth cuts as the lever is designed to turn it in just one direction.

The other difference between the assemblies I took off and the self adjusting back plate is the self adjusting had two plugs in the back for the adjusting holes and the old only had one. I don't know if that is a new design or are the two plates different ???!!!

Doug
dbbls
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
If there is no decal on the trailer just above the wheels, I doubt if it has them.
Duck
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
I think that I would ask the dealer or call the manufacturer. On my trailer there is a Dexter decal saying that the brakes are self adjusting.
Don
j-d
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2014
I was interested to read the self adjust works in FORWARD. That's wonderful as we don't to that many Forward-Stop/Backward-Stop maneuvers as needed to adjust the old-school automotive self-adjust brakes.
To me, a self-adjust feature for RV use that didn't adjust in normal driving would not be worth having.