Merritt GOOSENECK LIVESTOCK TRAILER, Owner'S Manual

Page: 15 / 37

BRAKES
BRAKES ADJUSTMENT*
Brakes need to be adjusted (1) after the first 200 miles of
operation when the brake shoes have “seated”, (2) at 3,000
miles intervals, (3) or as use and performance requires. The
brakes should be adjusted in the following manner:
1. Jack up trailer and secure on adequate jack stands. Check
that the wheel and drum rotate freely.
2. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot on
the bottom of the backing plate
3. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate the
star wheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake
drums. Adjust the brake shoe out until the pressure of the
linings against the drum make the wheel difficult to turn.
4. Then rotate the star wheel in the opposite direction until
the wheel turns freely with a lining drag.
5. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the wheel to
the ground.
6. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes.
* This section applicable to trailers equipped with Dexter
Axles. Taken from the Dexter Axle Service Manual.
Adjusting Hole Cover
7-2
NOTICE
GOOSENECK TRAILER BRAKES
• 7,000 lb axles may have manually adjusted brakes
• Manual adjusting brakes require proper maintenance to prevent problems from
developing.
`
• Effective 2018 model year all 7,000, 8,000, 10,000 lb axles have automatic forward
adjusting brakes.
• The automatic forward adjusting brakes still require periodic inspection and
adjustment as necessary.