This is my first van Plus electric brakes to go with it.
I paid a visit today to Carasell trailer parts Sydney.( They have moved to 51 Powers Road Seven Hills from Wentworthville.) looking for my U bolts X 150mm, Got what I wanted.
On display were a rack of electric brakes in exploded view. So I had to ask about the adjustment wheel and which way to turn it. Their is a tool you can buy that has a turned up end like a mini wrecking bar. (They did not have any, in stock. Bummer.) I asked if I could use a screw driver to turn the wheel as it is quite tight to move by hand (the one on display). The open port (with a rubber boot incerted over it, is very small. Has anyone got a photo of the tool used.
I have a nail remover type screw driver lever that may work. the port is not bigger then the size of a dollar coin.
The guy said that I should get 20,000km out of a set of pads. They looked 1/3 of the size of dis pad material on a car but take up nelly half each of the drum themselves.
They are very simple in design to work on, with few moving parts. I never stop learning.
I just use a bent paint tin lid opener. Filed the end flat too.
It lives in the container along with the spare wheel bearing, split pins & wheel bearing grease, ready for use. All wrapped up in nice clean rags. It has a little tag tied to it reminding me that it's 'Up to Tighten' (I think .. or is it down to tighten?).
I use a tiny torch to see thru the adjustment access slot & give the wheel/thread a careful spray/dribble of WD40 to loosen things up before adjusting.
Perhaps I should lash out & buy a real one from Repco.
-- Edited by Cupie on Saturday 5th of March 2016 12:11:04 AM
After I finished mechanics training in 69, I bent a screw driver, about 8mm wide blade, same shape as the tool.
I still have it and use it on the van, sister in law's horse float etc etc and handle is easy to hold.
In a previous life I owned a service station for a couple of years and this is exactly what we used in the service bay, still have mine in my tool box.
Shortish flat blade screwdriver, quick heat with the oxy set, and a slight bend, simple, easy to hold easy to use.
I have 4 different brake adjusting tools, the main one is like the pic but with about 3mm ground off each side to make it narrower on one end, another is a small bent blade screwdriver. the other 2 have been made for a application neither of the first 2 would do. Also be mindful that a lot of adjuster have a lock to stop them undoing (its real purpose is auto adjuster).
cheers
blaze
I have 4 different brake adjusting tools, the main one is like the pic but with about 3mm ground off each side to make it narrower on one end, another is a small bent blade screwdriver. the other 2 have been made for a application neither of the first 2 would do. Also be mindful that a lot of adjuster have a lock to stop them undoing (its real purpose is auto adjuster). cheers blaze
'Auto adjuster' comment brings back a long forgotten memory.
I seem to recall that on one old banger that I owned, the practice was to reverse briskly & apply the breaks fully. The idea was that this would wind up/adjust the breaks.
I have 4 different brake adjusting tools, the main one is like the pic but with about 3mm ground off each side to make it narrower on one end, another is a small bent blade screwdriver. the other 2 have been made for a application neither of the first 2 would do. Also be mindful that a lot of adjuster have a lock to stop them undoing (its real purpose is auto adjuster). cheers blaze
Yes, our Holdens in the 1960s were like that I reckon.
'Auto adjuster' comment brings back a long forgotten memory.
I seem to recall that on one old banger that I owned, the practice was to reverse briskly & apply the breaks fully. The idea was that this would wind up/adjust the breaks.
Any truth in this?
Hi
Yes that is correct. However if they are working correctly they should just do it when you reverse and stop normally in the course of driving. Most(all ?) light vehicles with drum brakes have had automatic adjusters for decades. Why do caravans have obsolete designs
Disc brakes do not need them as they adjust automaticly by design.
'Auto adjuster' comment brings back a long forgotten memory.
I seem to recall that on one old banger that I owned, the practice was to reverse briskly & apply the breaks fully. The idea was that this would wind up/adjust the breaks.
Any truth in this?
Hi
Yes that is correct. However if they are working correctly they should just do it when you reverse and stop normally in the course of driving. Most(all ?) light vehicles with drum brakes have had automatic adjusters for decades. Why do caravans have obsolete designs
Disc brakes do not need them as they adjust automaticly by design.
Jaahn
Thanks for that. Looks like the memory is not quite as bad as SWMBO says.
That tool, as pictured above, or similar can be obtained from any car parts place. Not expensive.
I have one and use it successfully, but have also done the job with a simple every day screw driver, but a good small LED torch is useful, to peer in the slot.
In case anyone is not aware, elec brakes should be backed off about ten or a dozen clicks on the adjusting wheel. The handbrake when hard applied should be in about the sixth notch to avoid brakes snatching on and off whilst travelling, but you all knew that!
__________________
Bevan
Friendship is not a relationship with someone whom you've known for a long time, but with someone you trust, under any circumstances.
I asked if I could use a screw driver to turn the wheel as it is quite tight to move by hand (the one on display). The open port (with a rubber boot incerted over it, is very small. Has anyone got a photo of the tool used.
