HOW TO: Nev-R-Adjust brake initial adjustment, and how it works. Plus discussion

[John E Davies]

 

This is a very good video showing how this unit is supposed to work. BTW, the shoes adjust while braking in a FORWARD direction, not in reverse like automotive drum brakes.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2CHjTw9EA0

 

Dexter document, print and file if you don't already have this info:

 

https://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/default-source/dexteraxle/product-documentation/installation-instructions/059-045-00c_s-amp-l_10x2-25_12x2_nra_man_electric.pdf?sfvrsn=12

 

My LF brake was grabbing badly, I thought I had fixed it (leaking seal) but now it has returned and I will have to go back into it.

 

Has anyone had problems with the Nev-R-Adjust system over- or under-adjusting the shoes?

 

I am tempted to just cut the stupid cables and go back to manually adjusting them, which is not difficult or very time consuming. At least then I will know then what the shoe clearance is and that should not change other than from wear.

 

Comments?

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[John E Davies]

I raised all four wheels up and checked the star wheel adjustments by lifting the automatic arm with a thin screwdriver. Silly me, I assumed the brakes were set right because they are Nev-R-Adjust, right?

 

Left front 23 clicks until brake bound up.

 

LR 21 clicks

 

RF 14 clicks

 

RR 42 clicks (!)

 

I backed them all off to 8.

 

 

I have to admit that I was very startled that they were so loose, and that they were all so different. I had them apart about 1000 miles ago to correct leaky seals, and everything looked great otherwise, and the auto adjust stuff looked fine. Why they have not self adjusted, I cannot understand.

 

Oh wait! “Never Adjust”, they are named correctly!

 

I will keep an eye on them, the LF is still grabby and locks prematurely, so when I go into them I may just eliminate the cables. I will check to see if the brakes are postioned correctly on the axles (left and right).

 

Disk brakes are in my future, when money allows.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[Rumline]

Rant mode on—Anybody owning a trailer w/elec brakes should understand the basic functions of the braking system, learn how to adjust them as needed, trouble shoot wiring issues

OK you got me. I don't know jack about drum brakes, let alone electric drum brakes. Do you know of any good resources online where I can learn this material? Electrical troubleshooting I can figure out but I'm concerned about John's findings, and that I have no idea what he's talking about with regard to what he did.

 

Yeah I can "just Google it" but when you don't know what you don't know, it's difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. I would greatly appreciate any tips or links to quality resources.

[rideandfly]

Rumline,

 

In addition to Mark's fine information, here's information on the Dexter website including electric brake information:

 

Service Manuals:

 

http://www.dexteraxle.com/resources/manuals/-in-tags/tags/Light-Duty

[KountryKamper]

Montanaoliver

And I’m with you on disc brakes. Should be offered as an option from OTT. I detest drum brakes and especially electric systems and drums.

 

I had a little Oliver bee tell me a rumor at the rally...

[Townesw]

 

 

[Rumline]

Thanks for all the great info. I have some reading / watching to do.

 

I wasn't planning on returning to Hohenwald after I pick up my trailer for various reasons, but if they start offering a disc brake upgrade I may just have to.

[ScubaRx]

I installed disk brakes on our Oliver over a year ago. It is some work but not beyond doing for someone that has tools and the inclination.

 

So as to not hijack this thread you can read about that venture here.

 

http://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/mods-of-the-outlaw-oliver/page/3/?wall_post=34117

 

Follow up on performance after about 25K Miles. No issues whatsoever. Disks are still perfectly smooth x 4. No fluid loss anywhere.

[BackofBeyond]

John and Mark - thank you for your work on this subject. As a fairly decent mechanic - I even have tools..- I don't believe I will have issues keeping the brakes serviceable. And Mark, thanks for the primer on the Ford system - it will come in handy one day. One thing though - for what Oliver charges for these trailers - I expect the axles and brake systems to be trouble free, not something I will change. If they turn out to be less than expected I will be looking to Oliver for answers. Time will tell. But if history is any indication - any problems with anything on my unit - well - I'll just fix it and go on. Unless its a system failure -. This forum is a great tool - thanks again all.

[John E Davies]

I dug into my brakes today ... after cleaning they do not look bad at all after 6000 miles, and the high quality inner seals I installed at 4000 miles do not leak. But the left front brake which has been grabby, has a seriously binding primary (front) shoe, and its buddy on the other side of that axle also does, a little.

 

Video showing how I found the problem, please view and comment....

 

 

I was going to find locally four manual adjuster screws and the proper springs, Dexter Part Number 300, but could not find a source that was open and also affordable. NAPA does carry them for $15 each. I ordered 4 for $32 shipped online. I will delete the self adjust cables and arms and use manual adjustments. I don’t mind tightening them every 1000 miles, it is veryquick and easy with the Oliver onboard jacks.

 

https://www.crofttrailer.com/300-adjuster-and-spring-kit-for-dexter-and-hayes-electric-brakes/#page=page-1

 

You must change the adjuster and spring, the Nev-R-Adjust ratchet type screw will not work without its cable and actuator arm. Its spring does not ride inside the star, and the star teeth are the wrong shape. I will post a new thread later about swapping them out, assuming they fit. I think they will, from what I have read on other trailer forums. At least one other owner has done this.

 

Here is the backing plate and rear of the problem shoe.

 

 

They look normal. Note the Nev-R-Adjust screw and spring to the left....

 

Assuming lubing the backing plate and rotating parts will get these brakes working to a degree that I trust them, I will defer the disc brake installation until winter. If I can’t get them operating smoothly, I guess I will be starting that project in a week!

 

I’ll follow up here with pics showing how to take the brakes apart without drawing blood or requiring special brake tools.

 

Later.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

[Wayfinder]

@John E Davies  This thread helped me today.  I found that I have ONE manual break assembly and THREE not-so-auto-adjustable assemblies.  You're trick of holding up that automatic arm with a thin screwdriver helped me.  One of the assemblies really does not have "teeth" to adjust with.  I guess it was auto-adjusted too much.

I did improved the stopping power, but I'm still upwards of 8 or 8.5% on my truck tow break.  I'd like  it closer to 5% (out of 10).  

I'm too tired to get on the ground one more time today.  Maybe another day.

Next, I'll want to know what "BEST" break assemblies I should get for poor old #110.  I'm not liking the whole "Nev-R-Adjust" crap.  What BS.  Maybe I'll stay with good old fashioned manual adjustable.

I'll have to dig through the forums more to see what folks are saying is best assemblies/kits these days.

Suggestions are welcome on the assemblies and if I should start a poll/thread or something else.  

Take care,

Chris