I went to adjust the self adjusting brakes (didn't know when i started) and i was able to get it tight but can't back it down. I keep hearing that there is a tab to push in to be able to rotate the star wheel down. The family and I are supposed to be leaving tomorrow for a few night trip but i can't figure out how to loosen it up. Any help with pics is greatly appreciated! Supposedly i need to lift the spring plate up and push in some tab that I've heard is on the right or left of the star wheel but i can't find anything that would allow me to push. Removing the wheel to expose the brakes looks like a job too. Thanks in advance!

Brakes too tight you won't be able to get drum offSelf-adjusting brakes have a 'tab' that engages the teeth on star wheelTo back off adjuster you should have 2 slots on back of wheel. Look with bright narrow beam flashlight to see tab (left or right slot)Then using a flat screw driver you push tab outward (away from you) while using brake tool (or another flat screw driver) to rotate star wheel.Takes 2 hands, 2 tools and eye/hand coordination

i keep looking for this tab but i dont see anything that moves whatsoever but i'm sure i'm missing due to the tiny holes that all the work has to be done through. Can you describe the tab?Thanks!

the plate that blocks all of this is a super PITA as well. Trying to keep it up while using 2 tools is an art form i haven't mastered yet. I don't know why this is so freaking difficult. I'm usually pretty good at figuring things out especially when it's spelled out but the spring plate and tiny holes makes this job super tough. I was just reading about removing the wheel but I guess that is a pointless effort since i've cranked this star wheel down so much. I was looking at another wheel and every time i moved the spring plate blocking everything, its moving the star wheel so i stopped messing with it in fear of goofing that one up too. Your help is beyond appreciated!

the adjuster tab is on the other side of brake shoe ....place end of flat screw driver against it and push it away from star wheel.Hold it away then using the other slot and tool move star wheel to loosen (move teeth DOWNWARD)

Old-Biscuit wrote:the adjuster tab is on the other side of brake shoe ....place end of flat screw driver against it and push it away from star wheel.Hold it away then using the other slot and tool move star wheel to loosen (move teeth DOWNWARD)I think that is the part I've been missing! Hopefully that will be the missing piece to the puzzle.

Lippert brake assistance, help please! | Good Sam Community

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 13, 2017
Take a 'loose wheel/drum assembly off and SEE how those self-adjusters are installed....then you will have a better idea on what is with the TIGHT one
waltheraustin
Explorer
Apr 13, 2017
how stable would you think this is with the arms out and 4 jack stands spread out? I hate being under stuff without tires on.
waltheraustin
Explorer
Apr 13, 2017
There must be a ton of pressure on the wheel from that plate that fits in the teeth of the wheel. Finally took tire of so I could get a better look. I've got a screwdriver and hitting it with a hammer but it doesn't budge. This officially seems to be the first thing I can't fix that I boogered up. I guess hitting it with a bigger hammer might finally break it free. I dunno but this is frustrating.
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 13, 2017
When you get back from the trip it will be time to pull the brakes apart and see why the self adjusters have stopped working. With car drum brakes I found the issue was usually the adjusting screw needed to be disassembled, cleaned and dab with a small amount of white lithium grease. Or there could be some hardware out of place. Need to inspect.
waltheraustin
Explorer
Apr 13, 2017
Got it, thanks!
westend
Explorer
Apr 13, 2017
It is sometimes easier to find the self adjusting lever that holds the star wheel by placing a small flat blade screwdriver against the adjustment barrel and push inward. If the star wheel and barrel are in good shape, it will be easy to move the star wheel (no noise).
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 13, 2017
Once brake(s) are loosened IF they are 'self-adjusting' you can 'adjust' them by driving FORWARD ---apply trailer brakes...forward/brakes etc. Repeat.

Use brake controller manual lever...that applies full battery voltage

You don't have to go fast just apply brakes then off...move apply brakes then off....move etc

Each brake application causes tab to move brake star wheel WHEN it engages a tooth.....takes SEVERAL braking applications to get tab to engage.
After brake shoes are making slight contact with drum (no braking going on) then brake shoe material has to wear down enough for tab to again engage star wheel tooth and move it

Loosening star wheel ---DOWN on tooth (end of brake spoon UP)

Other wheels.......IF NO Braking action you may have to jack wheel up, rotate wheel and adjust star wheel until shoes just slightly touch (scraping noise) then let self adjuster finish finally adjstment
waltheraustin
Explorer
Apr 13, 2017
Ok, thanks! It will be much more methodical this next time. Good stopping power would be nice
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 13, 2017
Assuming you get this corrected I recommend adjusting the other 3.
Go slow so you are not backing anything up. Get a helper to spin the wheel while you adjust.
waltheraustin
Explorer
Apr 13, 2017
Hopefully I'll fix this one and won't need to mess with the others but I'm betting this haven't ever been touched except during build.

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Lippert brake assistance, help please!

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