Self adjusting brakes - Mod
Well I made a decision to install self adjusting brakes as a part of my brake replacement this spring. Now after reading some posts I am sufficiently spooked and wonder if I should not have stayed ...
Forum Discussion
Lynnmor wrote:
Self adjusters can over adjust if the brake drums are not running true. Dexter has a tolerance of .015" run-out which is too much.
You cannot compare the trailer forward adjusters with the automobile adjusters that required stopping in reverse.
An out of round drum causing problems is NOT the fault of self adjusters, period.
An out of round drum is easy to find, heavy vibration while braking is one sure sign that a driver WILL FEEL even as far back as the trailer axles..
Another sure sign of out of round drums is the brakes lightly dragging then no drag or complete stop while turning wheel or drum when you have the tire off the ground during your own inspection (you DO periodically INSPECT your drums/brakes, DON'T YOU??? I sure do!).
PA has an annual inspection, so I CHECK MY OWN BRAKES BEFORE DRAGGING THE TRAILER TO THE INSPECTION STATION. Saves time and aggravation of a failed inspection.
