Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Brake Adjustment

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Brake Adjustment

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13673
Printed Date: 22 Jun 2025 at 9:29pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Brake Adjustment

Posted By: Colt
Subject: Brake Adjustment
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2020 at 8:10pm

Is there an adjustment for the brakes? The backing plate has 2 inspection ports, but I can't see a ratchet disc for adjustment. One drum drags a little and the other side shoes just barely touch. I'd like to even them up while I have the wheels off for new tires. BTW, the drums and lugs look very nearly new, like the wheels have never been off before. I sure would like to know the history of this trailer and talk to the previous owner.

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John
'16 R-Pod 180

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2020 at 8:25pm

There is a star wheel and locking lever in there. It is hard to see. I've had to adjust mine also, although I haven't recently.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2020 at 10:16pm

The first time I found it difficult to understand how to adjust the brakes until after I pulled the wheels and looked at how the latching lever for the self adjusters works. Then it became clear. It’s very easy to tighten and difficult to back the brakes off, both because the latch has to be pushed aside and because the star points are designed to engage the latch not to back off the brakes. Frankly I’d prefer good old fashioned manual adjusters.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 10:11am

+1 to Offgrid. The adjuster mechanism makes it a bit more difficult with hub on. I use a brake resetting guage, which allows me to adjust brake with hub off. I have attached a tool review that shows how to use it. They are reasonable in price and accurate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py4RFRspkBI

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 10:22am

When you pull off your brake drum to do the adjusting, do you replace the seal every time?

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 12:02pm

The brakes are supposed to be forward self adjusting, it really shouldn't be necessary to pull the drums just to adjust them.

I had a problem getting the drums off when I first got my pod, the old drums had been badly scored and the linings were crumbling. I couldn't get the stars backed off because I couldn't see what was going on in there so I ended up prying the drums off. I had to replace the drums and the entire brake assemblies anyway. Now I can back them off if I need to but its awkward.

You can also just back them off, put the drums on, and then slowly tighten them until they just lightly drag so you don't have to back them off with the drums on. I like mcarter's tool, that should speed things up and make it much less awkward.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 4:48pm

SH, I do not. I inspect them. I have replaced mine yet and neither is leaking. I'm proficcent with tool as I have used it for many years and this past winter I did a brake inspection all is good.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 4:51pm

+1 to Offgrid, once you get the brakes adjusted the adjusting mechanism if working should keep them adjusted. I do check them yearly but only to ensure the drum comes off without prying.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."