ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE ADJUSTMENT?

[Oasisbob]

I have watched several how to bideo's on electric trailer brake adjustment. Can someone explain clearly which direction to turn the brake adjuster using the access hole on the backing plate ? I have a brake adjusting tool. Confused on up or down to tighten, or expand the brake shoes. It seems nearly impossible to tell what I am doing

[Bipeflier]

Oasisbob wrote:
I am at a stage in my vision loss where I need to admit I can no longer see well enough to do what I know how to do. I cannot see or feel well enough to use the adjuster hole on the backing plate so I remove the wheel each adjustment and reinstall. Well I just pulled the inner bearing past the seal and can not get it back. Time to admit defeat and turn it over to a professional. Funny thing is I cannot get the wheel back on to take it anywhere. Do I need to remove the seal, install the bearing and install new seal or is there another way? I am my own worst enemy at times. LOL

If you pulled the bearing through the seal that would leave the bearing still on the axle. At this stage, remove the seal and throw it away and replace AFTER removing the bearing from the axle and installing it into the hub.

[time2roll]

Time to look up a mobile RV mechanic. Actually most any mechanic should know this old school stuff.

[Oasisbob]

I am at a stage in my vision loss where I need to admit I can no longer see well enough to do what I know how to do. I cannot see or feel well enough to use the adjuster hole on the backing plate so I remove the wheel each adjustment and reinstall. Well I just pulled the inner bearing past the seal and can not get it back. Time to admit defeat and turn it over to a professional. Funny thing is I cannot get the wheel back on to take it anywhere. Do I need to remove the seal, install the bearing and install new seal or is there another way? I am my own worst enemy at times. LOL

[Oasisbob]

This is my first time doing this and I was confused on the terminology used regarding rotation of adjuster. I have learned it is super hard for me to rotate the adjuster through the little hole. I am legally blind. I did learn the brake adjuster tool did not work as well as a small screw driver. Hard to feel the adjuster click. Bearings, magnets and shoes look alright. Wear indicators still present on magnets. Took me five hours to do the first wheel. Cold here. Thanks much to all who helped me on this. My goal is to finish this job today.

[westend]

From the backer plate adjustment hole, the star wheel should be rotated up. If you have self adjusting shoes, it sometimes helps to push the adjustment lever towards the exterior so the star wheel turns easier.

I typically adjust the trailer brakes following bearing service. While I have the drum off, I can clean and lube the brake parts so adjustment and operation are good.

[Old-Biscuit]

https://www.etrailer.com/question-94173.html

[janechucknicode]

Some times it is most confusing. Even after many years of doing this, you do HAVE TO remember what side you are working on. Both sides are opposite one side will adjust up and the other down.

The best way is spin the tire, say you are on the passenger side.

Tire off the ground, spin the tire one way only, work the adjuster if it gets tighter then you are happy if not go the other way, anyway tighten the brake as tight as you can , then loosen it back so you can spin the tire 1-1/2 free spins. That one should be adjusted. Then go to the next wheel , do the same. NOW in your NOTE book write down what you did. Go to the other side and NOW the brakes will adjust opposite either up or down from the passenger side.

Make sure all the wheels are adjusted basically the same. And while you are there check you bearings with a hand on the top/bottom grab of the tire in the air and see if you can wiggle it. IF soo you will have to adjust the bearings.. New story.
Cheers
Kids.

[time2roll]

I just remember "down and out"

Move the lever down pushes the shoes out.
(move the lever down also moves the star wheel up as said above)

Left and Right is same action as the threads are reversed.

[lawrosa]

You turn the wheel up....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tf1Bc526zE

[ScottG]

Rotating it upwards tightens/expands the brakes.