Setting up trailer brakes

[Albert]

With harvest nearly upon us I’m wanting to set all my trailer brakes up properly.

Can anybody explain to me step by step how I do them properly?

Jack the trailer clear of the floor and is it as simple as move the lever on the splines round until there is resistance then back it off a bit?

Any hints and tips greatly appreciated

 

[cosmagedon]

Jack wheel off the floor, tighten slack adjuster up until wheel is locked solid, then start backing it off slowly until wheel starts to turn, you want it so you can spin the wheel and it continues to spin on its own for a short while under its own momentum but when it stops it stops dead and doesn't rock back.

Whilst your there grease the s cam bushes, usually 2 on each wheel to grease. Don't over grease the inner one though as the grease goes on the brake shoe.

 

[KB6930]

If it's a splined shaft they're not as easy to get spot on .

But as you said move it round on the spline until the ram has a tiny but to retract so the shoes aren't dragging when the ram is fully retracted if they're just scuffing don't worry too much as they'll soon wear off .

 

[milton-95]

If it's a splined shaft they're not as easy to get spot on .

But as you said move it round on the spline until the ram has a tiny but to retract so the shoes aren't dragging when the ram is fully retracted if they're just scuffing don't worry too much as they'll soon wear off .

Usually there's a threaded rod up the inside of the ram to help get the adjustment right.

 

[KB6930]

Usually there's a threaded rod up the inside of the ram to help get the adjustment right.

Some have some haven't

 

[Kipper]

Take the wheel and hub off and check the condition, depth of the brake lining and clean out any debris or dried mud
Check the condition of the drum, no cracks or deep groves
Check the cam is not going to go over center and lock the wheel up.
Also check and grease the wheel bearing when the hub is off

 

[Hilly]

Take the wheel and hub off and check the condition, depth of the brake lining and clean out any debris or dried mud
Check the condition of the drum, no cracks or deep groves
Check the cam is not going to go over center and lock the wheel up.
Also check and grease the wheel bearing when the hub is off

Bit of tin with grease on under wheel and it slips right back , do checks push straight back on easy .