Adjusting trailer brakes - Diesel Forum

ransil · 02-13-2007, 01:20 PM

Is there a tool made to adjust the star wheels on a trailer with drop axles, I have a few different tools nothing fits because the axle is in the way.

Down South · 02-14-2007, 03:42 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a tool made to adjust the star wheels on a trailer with drop axles, I have a few different tools nothing fits because the axle is in the way.

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Yup, They make a brake adjustment tool. It has a crooked end so to speak that should allow you to get by the axle. Here is a link to one.

<font color="red"> </font> Brake Adjustment Tool

LMJD · 02-14-2007, 06:22 PM

Mine's like the one Down South shows, but I think the sharp angled end is bent more than his illustration. Over the years it's adjusted about everything known to civilized man that was hard to get at, you might give one like that a try.

ransil · 02-15-2007, 01:11 PM

I have ( had ) that type It does not fit, the axle is in the way. I did try to bend it and it broke.

Black05 · 02-16-2007, 10:12 AM

Get another, heat it with an acetylene torch, and then bend it -- it won't break that way.

Mr_Roboto · 02-16-2007, 01:38 PM

Yep I was gonna say the same thing, heat it dull red and bend.

A lot of tools will snap off before they will bend, the steel is brittle. Sometimes I've been amazed by how easily some steel products will break right off!

firesoutmatt · 02-16-2007, 04:59 PM

Pull the drum and be done with it.
Repack the bearings ,Replace the seals and adjust the shoes .

turbodave · 02-16-2007, 06:17 PM

I hate those tools too. I just yank the drums and do it by hand.

wittmeba · 02-17-2007, 08:39 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a tool made to adjust the star wheels on a trailer with drop axles, I have a few different tools nothing fits because the axle is in the way.

[/ QUOTE ]
Take an old blade screwdriver (wider if you have one) and use a torch to heat the end. Bend it about 30-40 degrees. Most brake adjustment tools are too large for appropriate use in the slot of a brake backplate.

LMJD · 02-17-2007, 11:50 AM

Duh, I forgot about that, a few times the only thing I found that would work is my wide bladed screwdriver (unbent, though). It's an old Craftsman, the blade is only about an inch long but reg. size handle. Many times it's handier than my brake tool even when both would work.

JimTJr · 02-17-2007, 01:40 PM

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Most brake adjustment tools are too large for appropriate use in the slot of a brake backplate.

[/ QUOTE ] My slots in my two trailers backing plates are the normal size from allll the drum brakes I have messed with,,(ALONG TIME AGO,,when CARS had DRUMS!!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/depressed.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img] I know, I am getting old now,,, [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img])
Maybe some trailer manufacturers use different ones,, I dont know.

ransil · 02-20-2007, 01:20 PM

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Pull the drum and be done with it.
Repack the bearings ,Replace the seals and adjust the shoes .

[/ QUOTE ]

That is what I was trying to avoid, I did some searching seems there are brake tools bent around 80-85 degrees that will work. I will either find one or bend up my own.

LMJD · 02-20-2007, 03:20 PM

That's what I was saying above, maybe I wasn't clear but that's the way mine is---not much it won't catch. The end that has the sharper angle is shorter. By that I mean the tip that actually goes through the backing plate.
Plus you don't get an accurate adjustment trying to do it with the drum off then sliding it on.