The proper operation of a damper coupling provides the smooth and controlled brakes. If the damper fails, it’s evident due to the intense application of brakes or’snatching’ whenever the brakes on the towing vehicle are applied.
When replacing the damper, it might be worthwhile to check the adjustments that the wheels’ brake shoes are fitted to. Sometimes , poorly adjusted brakes could cause the same problem as a damaged damper.
The dampers in overrun couplings have been pressurized to ensure that they function correctly , it’s difficult to determine their performance since it takes a substantial volume of pressure in order to pull the coupling back with a hand. It may be possible to force the coupling back by pushing the coupling’s head back and simulated the overrun mechanism on light braked caravans and trailers, however If you are able to move it back quickly or it feels like it is’springy and bouncy, then the damper is failing.
Dampers are generally very durable and can last for years (or several miles) typically the lifespan of a damper may be reduced due to the lack of maintenance or poor driving practices. The constant braking force can shorten the life of the damper and an emergency stop could cause the coupling damper to reach the end of its lifespan early. The most typical reason failure of dampers is inability to maintain them or the incorrect adjustment. Brakes must be calibrated and checked frequently (about each six-month period for a typical trailer) to ensure that the damper is not able to absorb all the force of an overrun that occurs when braking.
If you discover you have a coupling that requires replacement, we carry several brands to pick from such as:
BPW Coupling Dampers
Avonride Coupling Dampers
Knott Coupling Dampers
Indespension Coupling Dampers
Alko Coupling Dampers
Bradley Coupling Dampers
Brake Adjustment
Adjusting the brake must be done in the brake shoes. reduce the entire brake mechanism, including the compensator as well as the coupling. Always begin at the brake drum, and then turn the brake adjuster
applying one of the methods below dependent on the brake setup using one of the following methods:
Be sure to rotate the wheels forward direction when you perform this operation otherwise the auto-reverse mechanism could become active and make precise adjustments impossible.
Method 1
Turn the bolt for the adjustment of the brake (usually located at the back of the backplate) clockwise until a little resistance is felt when the shoes of your brake begin to grasp the drum. Slowly rotate the bolt to adjust the brake anticlockwise until you feel the wheel begin to move freely.
Method 2
Move the adjuster forward using a screwdriver into the hole on the back of the backplate for the brake until you feel resistance when the shoes of your brake start to grip the drum. Slowly turn the adjuster for the brake back just a few clicks until it begins to spin freely.
Procedure
Continue to do this on all drums , and then pick off the excess in the coupling and the compensator.
Caution! Do not tighten too much because this can result in the brakes dragging and overheat. Make sure to apply the handbrake multiple times to make sure that the brake compensators and shoes are properly placed. The compensators must be in 90deg of the brake rod once the brakes come on. The misalignment can be corrected by an adjustment to locking nuts for cable. Verify the distance traveled by the individual brake cables; they should range between 2 and 5mm, in case it is not, adjust the brake according to. Make sure that all drums are spinning freely
