Brake AdjustmentBrake Adjustment
The brake system on your L300 or L600 distributor
is similar to drum brakes on a car, except an
electromagnet actuates the trailer brakes. Electric
brakes offers several advantages:
• They can be manually adjusted for varying road
and load conditions.
• They can be modulated to provide more or less
braking force to ease the brake load on the
towing vehicle.
• There is very little lag time from the moment
the tow vehicle’s brakes are engaged until the
trailer brakes are engaged.
• They can provide some braking independent of
the tow vehicle in an emergency situation.
The brakes should be adjusted after the rst 200 miles
of operation (after the brake shoes and drums have
“seated”), then at least once a year. Adjustment may be
needed more frequently if the unit is operated in more
severe conditions.
Inspect your brakes periodically and clean the backing
plate, magnet arm, magnet and brake shoes. Inspect
and replace any damaged or worn parts immediately. A
visual inspection of the brake linings will reveal whether
they are usable or not.
• Replace brake linings if worn to 1/16 inch or less.
• Brake shoes contaminated with grease or oil, or
abnormally scored should be replaced. (Hairline
heat cracks are normal and should not be cause for
concern.)
• ALWAYS replace both shoes on each brake and both
brakes on the same axle to retain brake balance.
To adjust the brakes:
1. Jack up the trailer and secure as described in the
Tire section above. Ensure the wheel and drum
rotates freely.
2. Remove the cover from the adjusting slot on bottom
of the brake backing plate.
3. Using a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool,
rotate the star wheel of the adjuster assembly to
expand the brake shoes.
4. Adjust brake shoes until the pressure of the linings
against the drum makes the wheel very difcult to
turn.
5. Apply a light lm of grease or anti-seize compound
on the brake anchor pin, magnet lever arm bushing
and pin, and backing plate where it contacts with
brake shoes.
6. Rotate the star wheel in the opposite direction until
the wheel turns freely with a slight “drag.”
7. Replace the cover and lower trailer.
8. Repeat these steps on the other brake.
Maintenance
L300 and L600 Tack Distributors5-14
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