First Time Electric Brake Adjustment

[Yukonbill]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Jeff, In the good old days (pre-self-adjusting brakes), the adjusters could both be right-hand thread, or could differ from one-another. Now that self-adjusters are used, the adjustments MUST be different from side to side, in order for the self-adjustments to work. (Think of the ratchet mechanism that relies on "windup" of the shoe assembly.)

Ahh, yes, arcing the shoes in the old days. When I worked in the filling station/light mechanics (1962-3), I remember frequently taking the drums to the nearby machine shop for turning. They always provided new shoes and I used to watch them being arc'd. Of course the shoes were contained asbestos and none of us (including the machinists) wore masks or respirators.

This was just prior to when I got my driver license. I used to carry the drums, walking, to the machine shop, and drums plus shoes on the return. Fortunately it was only a block away.

All up hill—right? Lol

[pcsdpo]

I'd highly suggest getting on the website of your brake/axle manufacturer and download their brake adjustment/break-in instructions. My "dealer's shop" told me the brakes would self adjust over time . . . but they didn't and provided very little braking resistance when stopping.
I read the manufacturer's instructions, had to manually adjust the brake shoes to get them in contact with the drums and then go through a "break in" procedure, stopping the truck and trailer with only the trailer brakes. They suggested that the brake drums needed to be about 350 degrees to properly break in the brake shoes. (Please read your own manufacturers instructions for their process for your specific brakes).
The bottom line is that usually, when you follow the manufacturer's procedures, your brakes will work as designed and manufactured.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Yukonbill

All up hill—right? Lol

Yup! Both ways!