repacked bearings and now brakes seem weak

plasticmaster wrote:
I actually blew the drums and the brake areas with my electric leaf blower to get the dust off. I stood back and did not breath in the dust. I then cleaned the brake shoes, magnet, and inside the drum with brake cleaner. I figured this was okay since it is brake cleaner. Once the bearings were cleaned and repacked with fresh grease, I put it all back togeter. For each wheel, before I lowered the wheel down, I spun it by hand and had my son hit the brake to make sure the brake was working. However I did not adjust the brakes since they were working fine before the repacking. I guess I'll try adjusting them as mentioned. It just puzzles me that they got weaker.

If your able to easily pull the drums then the brakes are adjusted too loose.
Tighten down the adjuster until you cannot turn the wheel - this centers the brake shoes. Now back it off a few clicks and give the wheel a spin. It should turn roughly 3/4 to 1 full turn before stopping (I know this procedure sounds subjective but it's really pretty accurate no matter who is doing it). The brake should drag all the way around and may seem kinda tight but it wont be. After pulling the trailer a ways, stop and feel the hub. It should be warm but not hot.
The biggest mistake people make is not adjusting the brakes tight enough.

Scott