How to adjust hydraulic brakes for long road trip

[sebas54]

Hi I have a 22' 1980 aquasport and I am going to be towing it on a dual axel 5 star trailer from NY to Miami. In preparation for this trip I have changed all the bearings, the two drum brakes, and flushed out the brake fluid.

In which direction do you move the adjuster to tighten it? Once the wheel is tight, how loose does it have to be? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: How to adjust hydraulic brakes for long road trip

the easy way would be to watch with the drum off and see which way to move the star wheel- either up or down to expand or separate the bottom of the shoes

then with the drums on move star wheel to spread shoes to the point they lock up the drum as you turn

now turn star wheel opposite direction while turning drum till you don't hear or barley hear the drum drag on shoes

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: How to adjust hydraulic brakes for long road trip

should have added; the adjustment would be the same wether you drive 5 or 500 miles
also you hydraulic brakes depend on the hitch to surge back and forth as you hit the brakes on the tow to pump the brakes on the trailer. make sure this linkage is free and working, the brakes are properly bled and some of these set ups have a block that drops in so you can back up with out setting the brakes. make sure it is out and or working.

 

[trophyman]

Re: How to adjust hydraulic brakes for long road trip

Did you have the drums cut (resurfaced)? I believe it is a good idea to have the drums resurfaced for a long trip. It will also make the adjusting process easier in that you can preadjust the shoes so that the drum just barely slides on. Something to consider.

Good luck on your trip!

 

[indy440]

Re: How to adjust hydraulic brakes for long road trip

Set them just like you would on a car, you want the drum to just barely rub when it slides on.

This can be a bit of a guessing game with older, used drums without having them resurfaced since they typically have a ridge worn and rusted onto the edge of drum... However, some brakes have a hole with a rubber plug you can remove to adjust the pads with the drum on...

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: How to adjust hydraulic brakes for long road trip

I know on my trailer right on the back side of the backing plate it states" turn adjuster until drum is tight then back off ten clicks. I usually go more like twelve but it is a good starting point.