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Post Info TOPIC: Adjust Van Brakes
PeterInSa


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Adjust Van Brakes
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One of the rear wheels on daughters tandem  van was warmer than the others so decided to adjust the brake. With the side off the ground the front wheel turns more easily than the rear. With the wheel removed. I cannot see a rubber grommet that can be rermoved to make adjustment, only a hole that to me is not in the correct position...and I should have put a adjusting tool in to try. Probably because I thought the adjuster slot was higher and more central.

Comments appreciated.

1st photo front of brake drun, 2nd photo from the rear



-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 4th of November 2024 07:45:43 PM

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Brenda and Alan


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The adjuster is opposite the handbrake lever so that hole is not for adjusting.

Normal positioning is handbrake lever to top and adjuster at the bottom.

Alan



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Rodsvan


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My experience is limited to a couple of caravans, but I have found there have been two small slots with rubber/plastic plugs in them. They have been towards the bottom of the backing plate. I had previously had the drum off so I knew which of the two slots was best access for adjustment. Repco and similar shops sell the adjustment levers for about $10 and they are much better than trying to use a screwdriver. Have you checked the wheel bearing? I recently helped with a friend's caravan which had one wheel getting hot. It turned out that the mechanic who had recently re-packed the bearings had stuffed up and only put a small amount of grease on that bearing.

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Rodsvan


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If you google 'adjusting alko electric trailer brakes' the first couple of links are very good if you need help. Note: Alko are very common, however other brands may be different.

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Dick0


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Brenda and Alan wrote:

The adjuster is opposite the handbrake lever so that hole is not for adjusting.

Normal positioning is handbrake lever to top and adjuster at the bottom.

Alan

 Spot on.

Adjust them the same way you adjusted the brakes on the first car you owned.



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PeterInSa


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Re (The adjuster is opposite the handbrake lever)
ie Just above where the spring goes into the metal body of the back plate, hope its a round rubber cover not a large metal rivet.

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Cupie


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My break backing plates have a rectangular (with rounded corners) plug at the bottom.

I have attached a doc on the subject from Al-Ko.

I always adjusted as per the instructions in this publication, just backing off enough to hear a slight 'chush chush' sound of the disks contacting the drum as the wheel was spun.  

Then someone told me that the correct back off amount was 13 clicks.  Tried that but now prefer the Al-Ko advice.



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Brenda and Alan


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PeterInSa wrote:

Re (The adjuster is opposite the handbrake lever)
ie Just above where the spring goes into the metal body of the back plate, hope its a round rubber cover not a large metal rivet.

 No peter. Opposite as in the other side of the axle. Assume the axle positioned so the handbrake lever is above the axle, then the adjuster slot is below the axle near the edge of the plate.

Alan



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blackstump


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A photo of the whole backing plate would make it easier for someone to point out which hole you should put your thing in ,,,,

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Cupie


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blackstump wrote:

A photo of the whole backing plate would make it easier for someone to point out which hole you should put your thing in ,,,,

 Unfortunately my van is stored off site ATM, so no can do.



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blackstump


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Cupie wrote:
blackstump wrote:

A photo of the whole backing plate would make it easier for someone to point out which hole you should put your thing in ,,,,

 Unfortunately my van is stored off site ATM, so no can do.

 My post was meant for the op .



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PeterInSa


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Re (A photo of the whole backing plate would make it easier for someone to point out which hole you should put your thing in ,,,,)

Will do when next around at her place.

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Magnarc


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Cupie wrote:
blackstump wrote:

A photo of the whole backing plate would make it easier for someone to point out which hole you should put your thing in ,,,,

 Unfortunately my van is stored off site ATM, so no can do.

 A great double entendre in that post Steve! Well done.



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PeterInSa


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One slot on the bottom of the backing plate ( never come across this B4) apologies photo is upside down

and the adjustment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waNWLWy7sDY



-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 2nd of December 2024 07:44:29 PM

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blackstump


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Yes Peter, that long skinny slot with the rounded ends is where you poke your adjusting tool

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