WaterDog
03-13-2005, 08:49 AM
Ok here is the procedure for adjusting drums. Thanks Scott! :smile:
Pretty simple really.
This post reminds me that I should tear into the bearings and do the visual inspection. Rich do you know the proper procedure for adjusting the brakes once you get it all back together?Just in case here it is for the rest.
1.Jack the triler up,(make sure the trailer is supported by an alternate form of support as well.
2.On the back of the drum houseing there are 2 holes under the axle just right and left of center, remove the rubber plug if the plugs are still there.
3.Jack the wheel high enough so that the wheel spins freely , you are going to get under the trailer now, shine a flashlight into the hole and look for the adjusting wheel one hole has it and one does not, it will be the opposit on the other side.
4.Use a brake adjusting spoon ( the right tool for the job, a screw driver does not work well, and they are cheap) and spin the adjusting wheel until the wheel does not move, by the force of one of your hands while under the trailer.
5.When moving the adjusting wheel you will feel clicks, back the wheel off 8-10 clicks. (If you spin it 20 clicks you are going the wrong way) I like 8 so the the brakes come on a little sooner. Some trailers work best at 10 clicks.
6.Now repeate the process on each wheel making sure that all wheels are the same number of clicks, if not one wheel will come on sooner and the trailer will jerk to one side and create a unsafe braking condition.
Note; when you have your brakes apart make sure you disassemble the brake adjusting components and apply some marine grease in the threads as they will rust from saltwater and river use, you will not be able to adjust the brakes when assembled, (I know this from experience)
I hope this helps
Jet~~
So now I have a few questions.........
When you back off the brakes at 10 clicks, how free will the wheel turn? Should it spin completely free?
If the pads are still dragging at 10 clicks should you go more?
:shrug:
Pretty simple really.
This post reminds me that I should tear into the bearings and do the visual inspection. Rich do you know the proper procedure for adjusting the brakes once you get it all back together?Just in case here it is for the rest.
1.Jack the triler up,(make sure the trailer is supported by an alternate form of support as well.
2.On the back of the drum houseing there are 2 holes under the axle just right and left of center, remove the rubber plug if the plugs are still there.
3.Jack the wheel high enough so that the wheel spins freely , you are going to get under the trailer now, shine a flashlight into the hole and look for the adjusting wheel one hole has it and one does not, it will be the opposit on the other side.
4.Use a brake adjusting spoon ( the right tool for the job, a screw driver does not work well, and they are cheap) and spin the adjusting wheel until the wheel does not move, by the force of one of your hands while under the trailer.
5.When moving the adjusting wheel you will feel clicks, back the wheel off 8-10 clicks. (If you spin it 20 clicks you are going the wrong way) I like 8 so the the brakes come on a little sooner. Some trailers work best at 10 clicks.
6.Now repeate the process on each wheel making sure that all wheels are the same number of clicks, if not one wheel will come on sooner and the trailer will jerk to one side and create a unsafe braking condition.
Note; when you have your brakes apart make sure you disassemble the brake adjusting components and apply some marine grease in the threads as they will rust from saltwater and river use, you will not be able to adjust the brakes when assembled, (I know this from experience)
I hope this helps
Jet~~
So now I have a few questions.........
When you back off the brakes at 10 clicks, how free will the wheel turn? Should it spin completely free?
If the pads are still dragging at 10 clicks should you go more?
:shrug: