Trailer & Caravan Brake Adjustment

from Western Towing – www.westerntowing.co.uk

Caravan & Trailer brake adjustment must be done at the brake shoes, slacken all the brake mechanism at the compensator and the coupling. Always start at the brake drum, rotate the brake adjuster using one of the following methods depending on the brake setup you have:Note: Only spin the wheels in a forwards direction during this operation otherwise the auto reverse mechanism can engage and make accurate settings impossible.

Method 1

Turn the brake adjuster bolt (usually found on the rear of the brake backplate) clockwise until some resistance is felt as the brake shoes begin to grip the drum. Then slowly turn the brake adjuster bolt anticlockwise until the wheel begins to rotate freely again.

Method 2

Advance the adjuster using a screwdriver through the hole in the rear of the brake backplate until resistance is felt as the brake shoes begin to grip the the drum. Then slowly turn the brake adjuster back a few clicks until the wheel begins to rotate freely again.

Procedure

Continue the process on all drums and then take up the slack at the compensator and coupling.

Caution! do not over tighten as this will cause the brakes to drag and overheat. Operate the handbrake several times to ensure that the compensators and brake shoes are seated. The compensators should remain at 90° to the brake rod when the brakes are applied. Misalignment can be corrected through adjustment of the cable locking nuts. Check the travel of the individual brake cables, this should be between 2 & 5mm, if not re-adjust the brake as appropriate. Finally check that all the drums still spin freely

We stock a range of brake adjusters for Knott, Alko & BPW brakes, we have a summary of the trailer parts & accessories listed for the different sections of a trailer.

Disclaimer

The information is given only as a guide, if you are in any doubt you should seek professional advice. Western Towing Ltd will not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or other cause.