OT - Trailer Brakes

Anonymous-0 · Jun 26, 2012

Just put new brake assemblies, inc. new drums all round. Three work fine. The fourth has juice going to the magnet but the magnet will not activate the brake shoes. Has anyone experienced this before, or am I missing something?? FYI - Dexter Brake Assemblies(Made in USA), 2 x 12 shoes. Thanks for any advice.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 26, 2012

When all else fails, check ground at front of trailer. Causes all sorts of weird stuff, if it's bad!!

jon f mn · Jun 26, 2012

Do you hear the magnet humming? if not check for proper voltage and ground. If you have that you probly just have a bad magnet. That happens sometimes. If it does hum, then check to make sure the brake is adjusted up properly. They have to be fairly close because there is not much throw. Also check that the hub is on correctly. If the bearings are not seated properly it will be to far away from the magnet. Did you buy complete backing plate assys? or just shoes and drums? Also do your drums have the replaceable steel magnet plate? If so is it in the new drum? Have had them come with that missing before. Also just a note, when I build or repair a trailer I always run a seperate ground wire from the plug to the brakes because they draw so much juice it is unreliable to get it through the frame.

wisbaker · Jun 26, 2012

Can you power up the brakes without the drum on? If so see if your magnet is getting magnetic. If you apply power and the magnet will hold pliers and wrenches and such your problem is the magnet not close enough to the drum or the shoes are not adjusted right. If it doesn't get magnetic it's a bad ground or magnet.

Earl Gray · Jun 26, 2012

How would that affect just one break?

Anonymous-0 · Jun 27, 2012

If the ground is bad, or the cable has the greenies(corrosion), it may be able to handle 3 brakes, but add a 4th and it is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 27, 2012

did you make sure to check if you have the proper backing plate. Called ahead for the parts and got my wife to pickup the parts. Found out someone had switched them in the box ,had two lefts luckily saw the differnce before installing it.

Geo-TH,In · Jun 27, 2012

Put a screw driver next to the magnet and have someone apply the brakes. If the magnet is good, the screwdriver will be attracted to the magnet. You can also test magnet with an ohm meter. Make sure all electromagnets have the same resistance.

I recently had brake issues, and something cut one of the wire going to the brakes on the back axle.

Then use a voltmeter and make sure the magnet is getting the same voltage the other magnets are getting...it mostlikely won't be more than a few volts...depending on what your controller is sending. If you want to apply 12v, remove your 7 way plug from truck and pull the brake away cable and the trailer battery should send 12v to all brakes...be a good idea to test battery and switch.

LOL
George

OT - Trailer Brakes

Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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jon f mn

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wisbaker

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Earl Gray

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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Geo-TH,In

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