Brakes Service - J&M SpeedTender LC290 Operator's Manual

The SpeedTender is equipped with electric brakes. They need to be inspected and serviced immediately if a loss of performance is
experienced. You need to service your SpeedTender brakes at least once a year with normal use.
How to use your electric brakes properly:
Your SpeedTender brakes are designed to work in synchronization with your tow vehicle brakes. Never use your tow vehicle or
SpeedTender brakes alone to stop the combined load.
Your SpeedTender and tow vehicle will seldom have the correct amperage flow to the brake magnets to give you comfortable, safe
braking unless you make proper brake system adjustments. Changing trailer load and driving conditions, as well as uneven alternator
and battery output, can mean unstable current flow to your brake magnets. It is therefore imperative that you maintain and adjust your
brakes as set forth in this manual, use a properly modulated brake controller, and perform the synchronization procedure noted below.
In addition to the synchronization adjustment detailed below, electric brake controllers provide a modulation function that varies the
current to the electric brakes with the pressure on the brake pedal or amount of deceleration of the tow vehicle. It is important that your
brake controller provide approximately 2 volts to the braking system when the brake pedal is first depressed and gradually increases
the voltage to 12 volts as brake pedal pressure is increased. If the controller "jumps" immediately to a high voltage output, even during a
gradual stop, then the electric brakes will always be fully energized and will result in harsh brakes and potential wheel lockup.
To synchronize:
To ensure safe brake performance and synchronization, read the brake controller manufacturer's instruction completely before
performing the synchronization procedure.
Make several hard stops from 20 mph on a dry, paved road that is free of sand and gravel. If the SpeedTender brakes lock and slide,
decrease the gain setting on the controller. If they do not slide, slightly increase the gain setting, Adjust the controller just to the point of
impending brake lockup and wheel skid.
How to adjust electric brakes:
1. Park the SpeedTender on firm and level ground.
2. Block the trailer tires on the opposite side securely so that no forward or rearward movement is possible.
3. Jack up the SpeedTender.
4. Secure the front and rear of the trailer on jack stands of adequate capacity.
5. At the back of the wheel, on the brake backing plate, there is a small rubber plug near the bottom of the backing plate. Pry out this
plug to give access to the star wheel adjuster.
6. Insert the brake adjuster tool and maneuver it so that the tool engages with the teeth in the star wheel. The star wheel looks like a
gear with exposed teeth on the perimeter.
7. Turn the adjuster until the brake locks up (you can no longer rotate the wheel by hand). This centers the brake shoes on the brake
drum in the correct position.
8. Back off the star wheel 8-10 clicks or as specified by the manufacturer. The wheel should spin freely with no apparent drag to slow
it down. A slight scraping noise is normal as the wheel turns.
9. Repeat this procedure for all the wheels.
When to adjust brakes:
1. After the first 200 miles of operating when the brake shoes and drums have "seated. "
2. At 3,000 mile intervals or once a year, whichever comes first.
Brake Cleaning and Inspection:
Your SpeedTender brakes must be inspected and serviced at yearly intervals, (or more often as use and performance requires). Magnets
and shoes must be changed when they become worn or scored, which causes inadequate vehicle braking. Clean the backing plate,
magnet arm, magnet, and brake shoes. Make certain all the parts removed are replaced in the same brake and drum assembly. Inspect
the magnet arm for any loose or worn parts. Check shoe return springs, hold down springs, and adjuster springs for stretching or
deformation and replace if required.
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Brakes Service