HELP!! TRAILER BRAKE ISSUE
Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 09, 2008 at 22:07
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debacle
hi, i have a large trailer with electric brakes on all 4
wheels, i dont have a brake controller in the car, but there is an adjustable thingy in the trailer.
im getting 12v in and out of then controller but when the brakes are applied there is a big voltage drop, like down to 4volts when the controller is up flat out and down to 0.9v when it is wound back. is this normal?
also, what is the correct procedure for adjusting the brake linings.
i have to take the
wheels off to adjust them because the drop axles cover the adjustment holes in the backing plate.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks in advance, justin.
Reply By: Shaker - Tuesday, Sep 09, 2008 at 22:54
Tuesday, Sep 09, 2008 at 22:54
If the adjuster holes are covered, then there is no "correct procedure".
The correct procedure is to adjust the shoes until the wheel is locked, this centres the shoes, then back off the adjuster until the wheel will spin almost a full turn when spun by hand.
Also make sure that you back off the handbrake cable prior to adjusting.
I just found this on the Al-Ko site.......
1. Brake Adjustment Procedure
The brakes fitted to an axle or independent rubber
suspension system
supplied by AL-KO International are adjusted prior to supply. A brake
clean and adjustment should be carried out between the first 300 to 1000
kilometres and then at the service intervals recommended on Page 8.
Located in the back of the brake backing plate is a small opening covered
by a protective plug. With the trailer
wheels off the ground, rotation of the
star wheel, (as shown in the diagram below), will result in correct brake
adjustment. With a screw driver rotate the star wheel until the brake drag
makes it difficult to turn the wheel. The star wheel can then be turned in
the opposite direction to allow the trailer wheel to turn 3/4 to 1 revolution
freely when spun.
AnswerID:
324606
Follow Up By: debacle - Tuesday, Sep 09, 2008 at 22:57
Tuesday, Sep 09, 2008 at 22:57
sorry, i should have added that there is a hole in the front of the drum to adjust the shoes.
FollowupID:
591702
Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:47
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:47
Debacle
I have a 44 page ALKO service manual ( in .pdf format 900k size ) if you contact me, by email, I will gladly send it to you.
Have you got good trailer and plug earth ?.
What I have done is earth the plug, and the trailer, all the way back to the main battery, as
well as to the chassis.
You may find that this will help.
Cheers
Bucky
AnswerID:
324621
Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:48
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 02:48
Sorry Justin----debacle
Still a bit early in the morning, to be thinking real straight.
Cheers
Bucky
FollowupID:
591706
Follow Up By: debacle - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 08:50
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 08:50
thanks bucky, my email address is
justin@jimroylance.com.au
FollowupID:
591726
Follow Up By: Member - Matt L (NSW) - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:49
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:49
Hi Bucky,
I would appreciate a copy of your service manual, I would like to check out my caravan brakes.
mlyons28@optusnet.com.au
Thanks,
Matt
FollowupID:
591748
Follow Up By: Vivid Adventures - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 19:52
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 19:52
Hi Bucky,
I too would appreciate a copy.
andrewatvividadventuresdotcomau
Cheers,
Andrew.
FollowupID:
591829
Reply By: Ray - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 06:03
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 06:03
Further to brakes? Should there be any voltage reading accross pins 3 & 5 when no brakes are applied ?
AnswerID:
324625
Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 18:44
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 18:44
Depends on what type of controller you have. Some yes, some no.
FollowupID:
591818
Reply By: autosparky - Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 19:48
Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008 at 19:48
7 pin plugs no3 pn is earth no5 pin is electric brake
AnswerID:
324699