Trailer brake adjustments, Dexter drop axle

[fairlaniac]

I have a mid 90's enclosed trailer. I just installed new brake kits. However the adjuster holes are so close to the 90 degree at the drop, I cannot get a "spoon" in to adjust? I bought a "special" Dexter drop axle adjusting spoon but it cannot reach the star wheel nor have any swing. I can't get a screw driver in either. I destroyed a screw driver trying to "shape" it to go. I contacted the folks at eTrailer where I bought my kits and "spoon" but they don't have an answer. Has anyone here encountered this and succeeded in adjusting their brakes?

Thanks,

 

[JasonMcElroy]

Is there anyway you can mount the brake plates in a different orientation? This is going to be a PITA every time you go to adjust them.

I have these same brake plates on my camper, but they're on a straight axle and are not blocked. Regular screwdriver works.

If you're really stubborn, maybe bend up some old screwdrivers and see if you can get one that will fit?

Jason

 

[Zeke]

Consider coming in at a right angle. You will need torque leverage at the user end which should not be too tough to figure out. I think one long piece will work better than trying to use a ratchet and a bent/modified extension. Maybe an old speed wrench you never use anymore. Bend and grind the last 2".

 

[Walkers]

Probably just pull the drums and adjust. A bit more effort, but it will work. You could probably make and offset Z spoon with a little patience.

 

[Skyking1992]

I have similar brakes on my car hauler - maybe the exact same since I got them from E Trailer. I just pull the drum, adjust, and reinstall the drum. Sometimes it takes a couple tries, but certainly easier than getting to the star wheel from the back.

I usually do this once a year in the spring. I use it as an opportunity to grease the wheel bearings and inspect everything.

 

[ronr80]

I agree with post # 4 , some cars I work on have similar issues , it's more of a pain.

 

[Steve W.]

Many years ago, I bent a screwdriver to fit. I don't remember if the offset on the spoon I had was too long or too short, so I just bent a screwdriver to fit. Might have to remove one drum to be able to visualize the distance better. While the drum is off, verify which way to move the handle to tighten the adjuster. Write that down somewhere so you will remember it.

.

 

[Ashgrove]

Our drop axle trailers have self-adjust brake assemblies. Have gotten several sets from etrailer.​

 

[Ashgrove]

Ignore the bold print, don't know how that happened.

 

[Radio Flyer]

I'm with the gang that says pull the drums and adjust as needed.

 

[supratreo]

i agree with pull the drums. proper procedure, for toyota atleast, is to use a mic and measure the ID of the drum and the OD of the shoes and adjust to the proper spec. not sure if you want to invest that type of $$$ but maybe a cheap plastic set could get you pretty close.

 

[Walkers]

Our drop axle trailers have self-adjust brake assemblies. Have gotten several sets from etrailer.​

Which brakes are you using?


*edit
I just went to etrailer and found these self adjusting brakes. I wasn’t even aware they were available.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Dexter/23-468-469.html

 

[no704]

Just a WAG. Jack up one trailer wheel. Spin tire backwards,apply trailer brake. Should self adjust?