Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs

Ask the Experts about this Dexter Axle Accessories and Parts

• Replacement Brake Assemblies and Hubs for 1960 Airstream Trailer
  It sounds like your assemblies are not the typical assemblies and will need to be replaced. For your brake assemblies, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting # AKEBRK-7-SA along with mounting hardware # BRKH12. If you don't have the brake flange compatible, you can use the Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle # 4-44-1 which needs to be precisely welded in place. Then for your drum brake assemblies to match, I need some more information. I will need either...
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• How Does Trailer Electric Brake Assembly "Point" to the Front of Vehicle for Left or Right Hand
  I attached a picture that shows how the "pointing" of the arm looks. Basically if you look at the arm as the head of an arrow that will be the direction it points.
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• Can Dexter 23-105 and 23-106 Brake Assemblies be Replaced with Self-Adjusting Assemblies
  You could easily swap out your Dexter manual adjust assemblies part # 23-105 and # 23-106 for a set of self-adjusting assemblies. For that I would recommend the part # AKEBRK-7R-SA for the right hand side and part # AKEBRK-7L-SA for the left hand side. These will install in the exact same way as your current assemblies. There would be no modifications needed at all.
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• How To Tell If You Have Manual or Self-Adjusting Braking Assemblies
  The only true what to tell if a trailer has self-adjusting or manual adjusting braking assemblies will indeed be to remove the hub and look for the self-adjust cable (see photo). I am not aware of another method for this as the model number (if present) is generally placed on a sticker inside the assembly which also requires you to remove hub. The adjuster plug would be the same as well regardless. That said, although not as exact as the above if you were to craw under the trailer and read...
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• Replacement Electric Brake Assemblies for Dual Axle Trailer with Different Capacity Brakes Installed
  I really am not sure why different rated brake assemblies would have been installed on your dual axle trailer, as this is definitely not recommended. The 023-105-00 part number you found for the left side assemblies refers to the Dexter 6,000 Pound # 23-105, while the 023-181-00 part number refers to the 7,000 pound # 23-181. When replacing the brakes, I do recommend replacing them with assemblies of matching capacity. I recommend verifying the axle capacity on your trailer so you...
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• Troubleshooting Low Brake Output Voltage
  First thing I would check is the blue wire that is at the rear of your vehicle for voltage when you apply the brakes and when you slide the manual override of this controller. You could also try sliding the manual override a few times and adjusting the gain knob up and down to help clear the contact points. If all this checks out it sounds like the problem is in the trailer somewhere. I would first check all the grounds of the trailer and make sure they are making solid corrosion-free...
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• 12 inch Brake Assemblies and 5 Bolt Mounting Flange Recommendation for an Old Warner Trailer
  This is quite the dilemma that took me a few readings to understand completely. There's no easy answer though since as you realized all of the 10 inch brake assemblies require a 4 bolt mounting flange (you have a 5 bolt flange), and none of the 12 hub/drums we offer have a 5 on 5 inch bolt pattern like what your trailer wheels need. I believe your best possible solution would be to remove the brake mounting flanges you have on your trailer and install new ones that will match up to the...
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• What is the Difference Between Dexter 6k and 7k Electric Drum Trailer Brake Assemblies
  Electric drum brake assemblies for 6k and 7k axles both use the same 5 bolt mounting pattern. The 7k brakes will have a stronger magnet and will provide more braking. If used on a 6k axle a 7k brake assembly can be too aggressive but it could be used. The literature for the trailer should indicate the axle capacity somewhere. There may also be a sticker or plate on the axle with the capacity. It might also be stamped into the metal of the axle. I have included links to the 12 x 2 inch...
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• How Long Should it Take to Replace Electric Brakes and Bearings on a 6K Dexter Axle
  On a single axle with all of the parts and tools ready it would take someone with experience maybe about an hour to complete the installation. Out in the driveway where you can take your time maybe about 2 hours. That is provided you do not have to fight with any of the components like a rusted bolt or something like that. The brakes will just bolt on so they are easy to mount. The wiring part will take about the same amount of time. Make sure your ground wire is attached to a clean...
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• Is it Easier to Replace or Repair 12 Inch Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes
  First, if grease got on the brake shoe pads they are pretty much done. You would not be able to get all of the grease and I would not recommend taking that risk anyway. We do have individual parts available for many brake assemblies. For an adjuster spring use # BP08-070. For actuating arms use # BP02-230 for the left and # BP02-240 for the right. For the adjuster use # BP10-060. Honestly I would replace all 4 assemblies and be done with it. That way you will get all new parts and...
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• What Colors are Trailer Brake Magnets Wires
  Brake magnets are made to fit their specific brake assemblies. They are not made to be interchangeable between brake sizes or weight capacities. The wire color most likely has to do with the choice of the manufacturer. I have linked a video that details replacement and wiring of a trailer brake magnet that should be helpful.
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• Why Would Electric Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Hub is Spun Backwards
  There's something mechanically wrong with the brake assemblies or you have a drum that needs to be replaced or turned. Electric trailer brakes should not lock up when turned in reverse. Especially if there's no current involved on any of the wiring. That means it's a mechanical problem. Something in the linkage much be catching as the hub turns which is then pushing the shoes apart and activating them.
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• How to Find Wheel Bolt Pattern to Find the Correct Replacement Trailer Brakes
  There are a couple of methods you can use to determine bolt pattern of the wheels themselves. First, you can use the number of lugs and the bolt circle. For an even number of lugs, measure the center to center distance of 2 lugs directly across from each other. If you had 6 lugs and the distance measured is 5 inches, you have a 6 on 5 bolt pattern. For an odd number of lugs, it is a little more difficult. Measure from the center of 1 lug directly across to the center point between 2...
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• Need Tang Washer Axle Nut Retainer Clip for Dexter 6000-lb Axle with 6 Lug Wheels
  We offer part # 5-101 from TruRyde which is a tang-type washer intended for EZ-Lube spindles. This washer has a tab that fits between the notches on the castle nut to hold it in place. The inner diameter of this washer is 1-inch. The linked video will provide a demonstration of the installation. We also offer a D washer # 5-23 that is installed on the spindle before the tang washer.
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• Recommended Torque Value For Installing Brake Assembly to 3500# Axle
  My contact at Dexter Axle tells me that when installing a brake assembly to the backing plate of a 3500 lb axle, the bolts should be tightened in a criss-cross pattern to between 45-70 foot lbs.
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• How Often Should Electric Trailer Brake Shoes be Changed
  You cannot really go by miles when determining when brakes should be replaced. You would know to replace them the same way you would know with a vehicle. If performance is suffering and adjusting the brakes does not help and there are no other issues causing the poor performance it is probably time to change the brake shoes. Different applications, loads, driving styles and other factors have an effect on how quickly brakes will need replaced. Adjust the brakes every 3,000 miles or when...
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• Replacement Hub and Brake Assemblies for 1966 Fan Camper Trailer
  Does your spindle have a brake mounting flange thats either a 4 or 5 bolt mounting pattern? If so, we probably can help you. If the mounting flange is a 5 bolt pattern and you have 6k axles the part # 23-105 and # 23-106 would most likely fit. Due to the age it probably would be a good idea to replace the hubs too. Based on the numbers it looks like you have a BTR spindle. For a brake drum you would need the part # 8-257-5UC3-EZ. Which means that the matching brake assemblies are part...
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• Converting Trailer from Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes
  First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you have 12 inch hub and drums, you can re-use them so long as they are in good shape. You will install your new electric brake assemblies, like part # 23-105 and part # 23-106. The magnets have 2 wire leads, one for ground, one for power. It...
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• Trailer Brake Controller Shows No Connection to Trailer After Blown Tire
  I think I know what might have happened. When the tire let loose, it must have damaged the brake output circuit on your trailer. Each brake magnet has two leads, one that connects to the brake output circuit that leads to the trailer connector and ultimately to the brake controller. The other lead grounds to the trailer frame. If any of these wires has been severed, it'd cause the problem you describe. Start at the trailer connector, and trace the brake output circuit rearward to the...
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• How to Determine if Trailer Has Manual-Adjust or Self-Adjusting Electric Brakes
  If you look at the photo I've provided of a self-adjusting brake assembly, you'll see the adjuster cable highlighted. If your trailer brake assemblies feature that adjuster cable, you've got self-adjusting brakes. Each time the trailer brakes are applied, the assemblies will make small adjustments as necessary to keep the brakes properly adjusted.
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• Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes Where One Magnet Does not Activate
  Since you ordered new brake assemblies I would think that once you install those and properly set the brake tightness you would be good to go. If the one magnet wasn't getting any voltage to it then that would explain why that assembly wouldn't activate. The voltage you tested for at the trailer connector would be normal if your controller was set for 5.25 volts as the max gain. For proper initial trailer brake assembly setup check out the video (see link). Beginning at the 4:23...
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• Using Two Brake Controllers To Tow Trailer With Six Axles
  This is a tough one. we contacted our supplier and they said you will need to run 2 separate brake controllers like part # 90195. You will need to split the brake signal from the towing vehicle and attach it to the red wire on each of the brake controllers. Then run both power wires from the controllers to the positive battery post with circuit breakers. Both brake controllers would have to be set exactly the same so you maintain even braking. You will then need to run both Blue...
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• One of Four Electric Trailer Brakes Locks Up When Brakes are Applied
  Since your brake controller appears to be working - 3 of the 4 trailer brake assemblies work correctly - the issue is likely to be on the trailer side. The issue with one of your four brake assemblies locking up could be due to it needing adjustment or it could indicate a problem with one or more of the components in the brake assembly. There could also be an outside chance that the spindle on that end of the axle is bent, which could lead to excessive pressure on the brake pads. First,...
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• Bolt Torque for Installing 12 inch Brake Assemblies on 6k Axle
  I spoke with my contact at Dexter and she informed me that you will need to tighten the attachment nuts to 30-35 ft-lb when installing 12 inch Electric Brake Assembly, part # 23-105, on your Dexter 6000 lb axles.
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• How to Find Which Trailer Brake Assembly Goes on the Left or Right Side of a Trailer
  The left side is the driver side, right side is passenger side. On a trailer brake assembly like # 23-105 the arm that the magnet is on points to the front of the trailer and the magnet always will be on the bottom. I have included a picture that shows what I mean. The matching right side assembly is # 23-106.
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• Do New Electric Drum Trailer Brakes Need to be Adjusted
  Yes, you will need to adjust the new trailer brakes. You will need to adjust out the shoes until there is a slight but constant drag of the pads on the drum when you turn the wheel. I linked a video to the right and if you fast forward to about the 4 minute 40 second mark you can see how the adjustments are done and how much drag you should have left on the hub.
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• Troubleshooting Factory Electric Brake Controller Not Working on a 2005 Ford F-350
  I agree that you most likely have an issue on the truck side. The voltage at the brake magnets when the vehicle is sitting still and the brake pedal is pressed will only read a small amount with the Ford integrated brake controller on your truck. If you are using the manual slide to activate the trailer brakes you should get somewhere between 12 and 13 volts with the controller set to the maximum setting. If this is the case there may be an issue with the brake controller. The 2005 and...
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• Which Direction Is Trailer Brake Adjuster Rotated to Contract Brake Pads
  To tighten the brake adjuster, you'd use an adjusting tool like # W80630 and spin the wheel upwards. To loosen or contract the brake shoes, you'd rotate it downwards, as shown in the video I've linked you to. You'll need to fast forward the video to the 4:50 mark.
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• Which Trailer Brake Magnet is the Ground Wire and Which is the Power Wire
  Trailer brake magnets are not polarity specific which means that either wire can be the power or ground wire. So basically you get to pick which of the two wires you want to be the ground or the power wire.
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• Can 5 Lug Hub Replace 4 Lug Hub on Harbor Freight Haul Master
  You would need to change out the hub like you mentioned, but that's not normally a huge deal. You'd just have to first determine what hub you have now so that we can pick out the correct one that fits it. You will need to know is what spindle you have on your trailer. In order to do that you can either get the inner and outer bearing numbers from a hub or use a dial or digital caliper to get exact measurements of the spindle. The measurements needed are the parts of the spindle where...
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