Self adjusting Dexter electric brakes

[SteveJR]

Hello, I'm wondering how long it takes for these self adjusting brakes to actually self adjust? I just picked up our 2022 25RB and the brakes feel very week with max brake effort and gain of 10 on my 2017 3.5 F150. The brakes on my Cherokee GreWolf did fine and I've tested voltage so I'm good there. I jacked up the trailer on the slide out side and there is a very slight drag on the rear tire and none on the front, both spin VERY freely. Only miles on the trailer are the 25 towing home from the dealer. Thoughts/Suggestions

[TxLoser]

Same with my FW when I picked it up new. Give it 50 miles or so making brake application with controller at speed. It’ll start getting more grabby. I think it’s some lube or cleaner or something that gets on the drums. Same scenario with a new axle I got, and then after getting bearings repacked later on.

[16WhiteColly]

They are not always adjusted correctly from the factory. Sometimes they require a preliminary adjustment.

[bjones211]

Yes, adjust by hand. Lots of YouTube videos on how to do it.

[Lasttruck]

Self adjusting brakes do their adjusting during back up phases. Just need to do a series of firm stops while backing up with some speed.

[Learjet]

Originally Posted by Lasttruck

Self adjusting brakes do their adjusting during back up phases. Just need to do a series of firm stops while backing up with some speed.

That is incorrect information for RV brakes...car drum brakes yes...RV brakes no.

RV brakes will adjust going forward...as mentioned they may need an initial adjustment if too far out of range...or after the hubs are removed.

see video https://youtu.be/D1PaT3-QJ3s

more info https://www.etrailer.com/question-62778.html

[Yooper906]

Originally Posted by Learjet

That is incorrect information for RV brakes...car drum brakes yes...RV brakes no.

RV brakes will adjust going forward...as mentioned they may need an initial adjustment if too far out of range...or after the hubs are removed.

]

True. I've taken drums off where the shoes had to be retracted with the star wheel to remove the drum. Sometimes there isn't much clearance between the shoe and the drum, and if the actuators are rusty or corroded the shoes may not retract all the way.
Another thing to think about is weather the shoes are bonded on or riveted. Riveted shoes at the end of their life will gouge into the drum.

[16WhiteColly]

Probably won’t see riveted shoes on a travel trailer much anymore. Most all are bonded.

[JaycoQuest294]

We are shopping, investigating in brakes and so far….

You’re not doing too good Dexter/Lippert EZ Lube trailer axle spindle bearing seal failure - why did it happen?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vds40xzlGC4

Travel Trailer Problems | Our Dexter Torflex Axle Is Failing! | Rockwood Geo Pro 20BHS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VwM5NpEF_w

[AKRUEBBE]

I have my wheel bearings repacked annually. Not that they need it but, because at the same time, they also completely clean and inspect the brake mechanism. Well worth the $258 that my maintenance dealer charges. At the same time they lubricate all the wet bolts.

[Lasttruck]

Originally Posted by Learjet

That is incorrect information for RV brakes...car drum brakes yes...RV brakes no.

RV brakes will adjust going forward...as mentioned they may need an initial adjustment if too far out of range...or after the hubs are removed.

see video https://youtu.be/D1PaT3-QJ3s

more info https://www.etrailer.com/question-62778.html

I stand corrected. Thanks!

[16WhiteColly]

The Dexter EZ Lube axle system sounds like a good idea, but many times, the pressure from the grease gun is all it takes to blow the seal out and then you get grease saturated shoes. I see why the factory left the grease zerks out of my axles. Will go back to manual bearing packing from now on. Have been doing that for 55 years and never had an issue.

[Hollander Mutthaulers]

Originally Posted by AKRUEBBE

I have my wheel bearings repacked annually. Not that they need it but, because at the same time, they also completely clean and inspect the brake mechanism. Well worth the $258 that my maintenance dealer charges. At the same time they lubricate all the wet bolts.

X2 Annual spring bearing inspection, re-pack, or replace and brake check by axle shop are well worth the money, especially for the 10-12K miles we travel per year.

[steve.jurnigan]

My 2 cents. I had a boat and the seals were reversed. Keep water out and so grease would bleed out. I never pumped grease in them. I checked once a year to make sure water didn't get to the bearings. I had a Precision Maint. class where I worked. In class they had a shaft connected to a motor. With a temp gun we measure the temp after running for 20 minutes. We pump grease in till it leaked out and let it run for 20 minutes. Temp would rise because the cavity was full of grease. Over greasing will cause early bearing failure. Know how much you are putting in. You don't need a tube in each wheel.

[garywilson]

Might be too late to be helpful, but.... from Dexter... after you initially adjust them properly...

After replacement of brakes, the brakes must be
re-burnished to seat the new components. This
should be done by applying the brakes 20-30 times
from an initial speed of 40 mph, slowing the vehicle
to 20 mph. Allow ample time for the brakes to cool
between applications. This procedure allows the
new brake shoes to seat in to the drum surface.
Note: The current Dexter Axle Operation
Maintenance Service Manual is available for
downloading at www.dexteraxle.com

[salsa]

This is taken from the 2019 Jayco Owner’s Manual page 44. When your RV is new, it is impossible to adjust the brakes shoes precisely. It takes approximately 1,000 miles and/or 50 medium to heavy stops to “burnish” fit or “seat” the shoes to the brake drum. After the initial break-in period your brake shoes must be adjusted accurately for best performance and increased durability.