The Lippert 296651 is a fully assembled, drop-in electric trailer brake that self-adjusts on every forward stop -- automatically maintaining proper shoe-to-drum clearance without manual intervention. Designed for the driver-side (left hand) wheel position, this assembly delivers up to 50 percent better braking distance compared to conventional fixed-clearance drum brakes, making a measurable difference in emergency stops with a loaded trailer.
Traditional trailer drum brakes require periodic manual adjustment to compensate for shoe and lining wear. Skip that adjustment too long and braking performance degrades -- sometimes significantly -- before you notice. The Lippert 296651 eliminates that problem entirely. Its forward self-adjusting mechanism uses the natural geometry of braking force to reset shoe clearance every time you stop in forward motion. The result is optimal lining contact and consistent pedal response mile after mile.
This assembly comes completely pre-built. Bolt it onto your hub/drum flange using the included 5-bolt pattern backing plate and you are ready to connect the two-wire magnet lead to your brake controller harness. No re-assembly, no guesswork on spring orientation.
Brake clearance self-corrects during every forward stop, maintaining peak lining-to-drum contact as shoes wear over time.
Backing plate, shoes, lining, magnet, adjusting screw, and all springs arrive as one ready-to-install unit.
Rated for axles in the 4,000 to 7,000 lb capacity range -- covers most single-axle travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels.
Compatible with 14.5", 15", and 16" wheels, covering the most common trailer wheel sizes on the road today.
This assembly ships as a single, complete unit. The following components are included and pre-installed:
Note: Hub, drum, spindle, and wheel are NOT included. This is a brake backing plate and shoe assembly only.
Trailer brake assemblies are handed -- the self-adjuster mechanism is configured to work in one rotational direction only. The 296651 is the left hand (LH) assembly, meaning it installs on the driver side of the trailer (road-left when viewed from behind the trailer). Installing an LH assembly on the passenger side will result in the adjuster working backwards -- shoes will back off instead of self-adjusting. Always verify side before ordering.
This assembly is designed for direct replacement on standard trailer axles using a 5-bolt backing plate bolt circle. General installation steps:
Covered by Lippert's Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase.