Electric 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=2924
Printed Date: 18 May 2024 at 6:31pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Electric Brake Adjustment
Posted By: kymooses
Subject: Electric Brake Adjustment
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2012 at 12:10pm
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I need to adjust the brakes on the Pod.Watched the videos and seems simple enough, locate the plug on the brake assembly, remove plug and then rotate the star mechanism up towards the tire. That's all find and well but I have two of the same plugs on the Rpod brake assembly. Admittedly I haven't taken them off and tried to look inside which might in fact answer my question for me but I haven't had the time to check them to see if I can figure them out. So has anyone adjust their electric brakes themselves on the assembly and does your Pod have one or two of the plugs that cover the star mechanism that you use to tighten them? Anyone shed some light on this? Can't find any vids that show an assembly having 2 different plugs on it. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Replies:
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2012 at 1:02pm
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It has been awhile so I don't remember which plug to remove. I have to use a flashlight to kind of look inside, I think that it is the plug on the rear side of the drum, you will be able to feel the teeth on the adjusting wheel. I bought a brake adjusting tool which made it easier than using a wide blade screwdriver. I would recommend lifting the tire off of the ground so you can spin the wheel to see when the brake starts to drag and then back off just a little. I then have my wife step on the brake in the car to make sure that the electric brake is doing its job. I don't hook up the hitch just the 7-way power cord. These brakes have the auto adjusting feature built into them so the only time that I readjust is when I have taken the hub off to grease the bearings. Hopes this will help you. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 9:46am
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I did just recently take the hubs off to do the wheel bearings and stuff and afterwards was when I noticed that my brakes might need some adjusting. I've seen the plug on the back of the brake drum but there are two of them there, side by side not half an inch away from one another. So I'm still left wondering if they are the same, different, or what. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 3:07pm
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Dang son!! just open them, look with a flashlight... The one with the star adjuster is the right one.  ------------- |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 3:54pm
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Dumb question ...what is the "test" to determine whether your brakes need adjustment ? When I apply the brakes in the Tacoma the brake controller immediately starts to display a value and I can feel a definite "assist" in overall braking of the tow vehicle/camper unit.
Oh yeah, and is there a procedure for adjusting them yourselves or is this a big hassle (other than determining which hole to access on the brake drum, that is). I haven't turned a "starwheel" and adjusted drum brakes for years ...but I still have my "spoon". Thanks in advance, 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2012 at 7:07pm
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One way to tell is by using only the manual brake lever on your brake controller (don't use your brake pedal) to see if the pod pulls left or right when you apply its brakes. If it doesn't pull either way then you are probably fine. If you don't feel any braking action or a lowered braking action first turn up the dial on your brake controller. If that doesn't work then that may also mean you need to adjust them. Adjust both wheels. It isn't hard. Jack up one side so the wheel turns free and open that little plug. Turn the wheel slowly while you turn the star (I forget which way) until the wheel locks up. Then turn the star the other way slightly until the wheel turns free again. Repeat on the other side. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 11:20am
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Someone had posted that they thought that the Rpods had automatic brake adjusters. Is that correct? Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 12:33pm
I thought you were a PhP!  Where is the help and support? I'm going to do just that. Had just been waiting for the weekend because I didn't feel like changing out of work clothes during the week and climbing under the wheel to do the looking. Figured in the meantime if someone knew the answer I'd save myself from second guessing is all! Likely will have the results and answer to the two hole question once I get out to do the weekend's yard work and and "honey do" list. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 1:03pm
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That WAS pHp.. the Friday version. lol
I figured you would call or e-mail or something if you want REAL help..
Let me know..
Although I am confused about "changing out of work clothes".. so you can work..  ------------- |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 1:23pm
Automatic adjusters usually work when you back up and apply (pump) the brakes in TV. A lot easier than crawling under a Pod ... THAT IS IF THEY HAVE THEM! I'm waiting for an answer too. ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 1:31pm
Goose, my wheels have a grease fitting behind the dust cap that I pump with grease until it oozes out. Should I be taking off the hubs to manually grease the bearings? Or is that just your preference? Bill ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 1:41pm
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LOL @ Furpod, the Friday version eh? hehe Oh and my work clothes for the office are not the same as my outside work clothes. I'd be very upset to get any of my hawaiin shirts dirty! But upon your advice and coaxing I lifted up the Pod and pulled both of the little plastic covers off and looked inside with the flashlight. One of them has nothing behind it and the other does not have the familiar star mechanism. It has a single lever on a spring that when you push it upwards it does nothing and you can't push it down. So these are either the self adjusting brakes that have been mentioned and mine don't self adjust or there is some trick to it. The Pod gets dropped off Tuesday night for it's lights anyways so I'll find out more then I hope. Oh and Furpod, I don't think I have your number to where I could call! Although I might grab that from you next weekend so that I can have in a time like this! ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 7:26pm
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Bill, the POD"s have the E-Z Lube hub where you can grease the bearings without pulling the hub off and messing with the bearings. If you do not travel too many miles say maybe 1000 to 1500 a year, I would just grease the bearings through the hub for three or four years before taking them apart to clean, inspect and repack them. We travel around 5000 miles a year so I figure to pull the hub apart every two years which I will do in the spring. When you do inspect the bearings, pick up new seals cause it is pretty hard to get the old ones out without tearing them up. Travis the lever that you are seeing is part of the self adjusting mechanisem, you can see the parts when you take off the hub. To adjust, put your brake adjusting tool under the lever and raise the lever up making sure that tool rotates the star wheel which is behind the lever out of site. If you have the tool in to far you can't move it so bring it back out a little until you feel the wheel rotate. It may take a few trys to get the feel of it. As you rotate the tire and feel the brakes start to drag, then back them off a little till the tire spins free. To back off the brakes, take your tool and raise the self adjusting lever above the star wheel and slide it over the top, then keeping the tool against the star wheel let the lever down turning the star wheel. Do this just until the tire spins freely. I didn't have on my hawaiin shirt to slide under the trailer to make sure I remembered everything, but I did have on my white Padre Island Brewering Company shirt that is now black in the front. I did receive a dirty look as well from the head clothes washer. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 9:05pm
I KNOW that look..  ------------- |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 12:25am
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Just want to throw my 2 cents worth in. I remember chatting with the factory when I was investigating the lug nuts and it seems that the factory uses two different suppliers for axles. Ours was built on the West Coast and the supplier is Lippert. Briefly reviewing the lit that came with my trailer, there wasn't any mention of the brakes being automatically adjusted. Will check with my local dealer when our Rpod goes in for its end of year inspection. Will have the bearings repacked and have them adjust the brakes, if required. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 10:58am
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Camper Bob you are right, I forgot that they have used two different axles. I have the Dexter axle on our trailer. It was wrong of me to assume that they use a self adjusting brake with the Lippert axle. One would think that the standards would be the same no matter if it was built West Coast or in the East. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posted By: Ks.Kev
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 11:06am
How does one know which axle they have? Is there a stamp or label on the axle itself or is there a difference in appearance?  ------------- Kevin & Donna 2010 R-Pod 176 2011 Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 11:12am
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You might want to look at the pile of literature that you received if you bought your Rpod new from a dealer. Or you might want to call the factory with your VIN number and they should be able to tell you. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 4:01pm
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There should be a lable with the manufactures name and the model number on it. The Dexter lable is on the front side of the axle on the right side (passenger side), just inside from the frame. It helps to have the axle model number when ordering brake or hub parts. Not sure where the Lippert lable is placed, maybe Camper Bob can check it out for those that might need to know. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 6:40pm
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Your certainly not suggesting that this old geezer get on his back and look for a label. I did find a Lippert instruction booklet with my other brochures. Someone had suggested that I get a 3" 3 ring binder and get a box full of those clear plastic sleeves. Then I put one brochure in each one. Perfect... I keep that binder in the trailer and while camping this weekend I had to look up the instructions for the microwave. Of course, they were there. Sure makes things easier. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 6:53pm
Goose, Thanks for the tip. Are the seals standard size and available at an auto part store? ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 6:56pm
I was not going down the old geezer route but rather than lay on your back you could get down on your knees.  I usually need to use something to push on to get up after I get down, like the fender or tire or chair, you get the picture. We have a 10x12 plastic box about 3 inches high that hold all of our papers, they stay on a shelf in the garage until we travel. The binder maybe a faster way to find the item you are looking for. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 7:07pm
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Bill, I have never bought them at an auto parts store so I really do not know. I would think that if you took in the model number of the trailer they could check for you. I buy all the axle parts at a trailer store that sells Dexter axles, they have every thing on the shelf out front. You may want to go to DexterAxles. com and from there you can find a trailer store near you that might have the seals instock if the auto parts store can't help you. Provided that your axle is a Dexter. The trailer store is a lot closer for me than our RV dealer. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posted By: Ks.Kev
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 9:17pm
Found the lable on the axle.... I have a "Lippert" axle!!! Thanks All for the info of where and what to look for! The lable is right in the middle on the front of the axle!!!  ------------- Kevin & Donna 2010 R-Pod 176 2011 Ford F150 Lariat Supercrew |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2012 at 9:50pm
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Can I get off my knees now? Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |