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Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Free Backing - 12" - Left/Right - 7K
(152 reviews)
Price: $328.05
In Stock
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Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Free Backing - 12" - Left/Right - 7K
Part Number: 23-342-343
In Stock
$328.05
$308.05 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate 
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
- All Info
- Reviews (152)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Dexter Trailer Brakes - 23-342-343
Highlights
- Back Up Without Locking Up: Free-backing design releases brakes in reverse so you can back up smoothly.
- Stops Heavy Loads Reliably: 12" x 2" hydraulic drum assemblies provide strong braking torque for axles up to 7,000 lbs.
- Lasts Through Harsh Use: Bonded brake pads deliver consistent friction and avoid rivet wear or noise.
- Protected Against Rust: E-coated backing plates and included adjuster plugs keep out dirt and corrosion.
- Simple Fitment: Left- and right-hand assemblies mount to a 5-bolt flange for direct replacement.
- CSA Certified Quality: Tested to Canadian Standards Association requirements for safe, proven braking.
Features to know about
Back Up Smoothly Without Brake Lockup: Free-Backing Hydraulic Design
When you’re reversing down a ramp or backing into a tight spot, the last thing you need is your brakes locking up. These Dexter hydraulic drum brakes use a free-backing design that lets the wheels roll freely in reverse, even when the actuator is engaged. Each 12" x 2" assembly fits a 5-bolt mounting flange and works on axles rated up to 7,000 lbs. It’s a simple way to back up smoothly without relying on a reverse lockout.
Consistent Stopping You Can Feel: Bonded Brake Pads with Strong Torque
Reliable braking torque starts with solid contact between the pads and drum. These assemblies use long-lasting brake pads that are fully bonded to the shoes?– not riveted?– for more consistent braking and less noise as they wear. The extra friction surface gives you stronger, smoother stops mile after mile.
Built to Stand Up to Dirt and Rust: E-Coated Backing Plates and Sealed Adjuster Plugs
Corrosion and grime can shorten brake life fast, especially on trailers that see road spray or storage outdoors. Dexter protects these assemblies with rust-resistant e-coated backing plates and sealed adjuster plugs that keep dust and debris out of the internals. That means cleaner parts, longer service life, and dependable operation every time you tow.
Easy Maintenance for DIY Owners: Manual Adjustment and Direct Fit Mounting
Dexter keeps the setup straightforward for anyone doing their own brake work. The assemblies mount directly to a standard 5-bolt flange, with left-hand (driver’s side) and right-hand (passenger’s side) units included along with mounting nuts. Periodic manual adjustment through the star wheel helps keep stopping distances short as pads wear, making it easy to maintain strong braking without special tools.
Specs
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 12" diameter x 2" wide
Wheel Compatibility
- Wheel size: 14-1/2", 15", 16", or 17-1/2"
Mounting
- Mounting flange bolt pattern: 5 bolt
Weight and Capacity
- Axle rating: up to 7,000 lbs
Warranty
- Limited warranty: 5-year
23-342 Dexter 12" x 2" Hydraulic Brake Assembly - LH - Free Backing - 7K lbs
23-343 Dexter 12" x 2" Hydraulic Brake Assembly - RH - Free Backing - 7K lbs
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- etrailer mistake
- Product did not meet expectations
- Wrong item was ordered
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
152 reviews
by:
Bill
06/09/2026
Parts delivered quickly!
by:
Ronald
06/15/2021
Great product! Fit perfectly, no hassle installing. Highly recommend!! Before and after photos attached.
by:
Justin
02/09/2025
Everything worked as it should. Good price and quick shipping! Will use this company again.
by:
Tellus
08/05/2023
Order was supposed to be delivered on the 1st.
Had to call in to see what hoid up was. They said low staff
Bad customer service. Package showed up on the 3rd.
That wanted $[XX]+ to return items. Stuck with it now. After finding parts locally for $[XX] per axle. $[XX] bucks Cher per and no shipping. By local if u can
Had to call in to see what hoid up was. They said low staff
Bad customer service. Package showed up on the 3rd.
That wanted $[XX]+ to return items. Stuck with it now. After finding parts locally for $[XX] per axle. $[XX] bucks Cher per and no shipping. By local if u can
by:
Ken
06/19/2018
2016
Ram
2500
Dexter is the way to go. These were for a boat trailer I only use in fresh water.Tried less expensive knock offs, but they only lasted a year. I have been very happy with any Dexter Product. They are much better than others.
by:
JKU
08/19/2020
Great brake assembly. Easy to install and works wonderfully!
by:
Brian G.
07/20/2017
Great price and fast shipping. Well built, and built here in the USA
by:
Richard
11/02/2019
Parts were In stock. Perfect fit and function. Fast shipping.
by:
U.GOMEZ
02/13/2024
FAST SHIPPING, PARTS WELL PACKAGED
by:
Christian
06/18/2023
Great quality product
by:
Kent
08/25/2022
0
0
Parts are exactly what I asked for. Shipped with absolutely no packing though. That needs to be addressed. But I'm happy with the product I ordered.
Thank you.
Thank you.
by:
Michael
04/18/2019
Very fast service, products as described
by:
Philip
07/11/2021
Excellent costumer service.
Everything fit well and works great!
Everything fit well and works great!
by:
Orlando J
11/13/2025
by:
Rudy
02/06/2020
Easy website to use, parts packed well and even arrived early!
by:
Ernie
04/23/2024
Quick delivery. Product was in stock. Awesome.
by:
Clay
06/29/2020
Thanks
by:
Z
08/28/2023
by:
Agnieszka
09/09/2021
by:
Martin
10/30/2026
by:
Joe
07/02/2025
by:
Dylan
01/13/2025
by:
Steven
03/17/2025
by:
Kevin
10/03/2025
by:
Melvin
06/01/2023
25
152
true
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Dexter Trailer Brakes
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view full answer... - Can The Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes 23-342-343 Be Converted To ElectricHello Randal. The Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes # 23-342-343 cannot be converted to electric. Replacement parts for brake assemblies can be expensive too. So, even if they could be converted, it would likely be more cost-effective, and a lot less time-consuming to just buy new brake assemblies. You can replace them with the following: - Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs # 23-180-181
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view full answer... - Recommended Parts Compatible with Dexter P12 7,000 lb AxleWe do not carry the replacement axle for your P12 7K Axle. We do however have the brake assemblies and bearing kit or hub/drum assemblies to assist based on what I can find online for a 7K Dexter axle. You will most likely want the Bearing Kit, 14125A/ 25580 Bearings, 10-36 Seal # BK3-200 to work with your axle and hub/drum assembly. To get the entire replacement assembly, you want the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 8 on 6-1/2 # 42866UC3-EZ....
view full answer... - Free-Backing Drum Brakes for M101A2 Military Dump TrailerTo check the fit and compatibility for a set of replacement hydraulic drum brakes on your M101A military dump trailer you will want to match up a few things. Those things are drum dimensions, axle weight capacity, mounting bolt pattern and the compatible wheel sizes. The linked photo shows how to check your drum size. The Dexter free-backing 12 x 2-inch brake kit you mentioned # 23-342-343 is suitable for axles rated up to 7K, they use a 5-bolt mounting pattern and they fit wheel diameters...
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- Replacement Hydraulic Brake Assemblies With Parking Brake IntegratedI was able to cross reference with the manufacturer and find the parts you need. I recommend the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Free Backing - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 7K # 23-342-343 if you don't need the parking brake. If you want the parking brake, then I recommend the Dexter Free-Backing Hydraulic Trailer Brake Assembly w/ Parking Brake Lever - 12" - Right Hand # T2351200 and Left Hand # T2351300.
view full answer... - Are Dexter 12" x 2" Hydraulic Free Backing With Park Brake Brake Assemblies Available Hey Mark, Yes, we offer the Dexter 023-341-00 under part # DX69CR and Dexter 023-340-00 under part # DX79CR. These also come in a kit together under part # DX89CR.
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view full answer... - Brake Assembly Recommendation for Loadmaster Boat TrailerFrom the info and picture you gave me I can tell you that the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit # 23-342-343 you referenced is exactly what you'll need. It fits the bolt pattern I see in the picture and has the 12 inch diameter you need as well. This is a pair for both sides of the trailer as well. To pick out a replacement grease seal you will need to measure the diameter of the spindle where the grease seal rides with a digital or dial caliper and then need to measure the hub bore where...
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view full answer... - Replacement 12x2 Free Backing Surge Brakes with Part 023-342-00Thank you for the photo! Since your current drum brake assembly is part 023-342-00 from Dexter Axle the replacement brake kit for both sides of your axles is part # 23-342-343. You will need one kit for each axle on your trailer. These are free backing 12" x 2" brake assemblies from Dexter Axle. Attached is a review video for you to check out as well.
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- Free Backing Hydraulic Drum BrakesI have a solution for you but no, the Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brakes item # 23-336-337 would lock up every time you backed your trailer up. You need free backing brakes like the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Free Backing - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies item # 23-342-343. These drum brakes are rated up to 7,000 lbs like the ones you were looking at.
view full answer... - Will The Free Backing Brakes AKFBBRK-7 Be Compatible With My Current Hubs/Drums?Hey Tom thanks for your questions. To answer your first question, yes, you can use the # AKFBBRK-7 or the # 23-342-343 free backing hydraulic brake assemblies on your dump trailer. All of these use the same standard 12" x 2" brake shoes. If you are trying to decide between the Dexter brand or our etrailer brand, personally I recommend etrailer brand # AKFBBRK-7. In my experience they are pretty much identical to the dexter brand but for a fraction of the cost. Were it my trailer, I would...
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view full answer... - Replacement Dexter Brake Assembly 7K lbs 12" by 2" For Parts 023-341-00 and 023-340-00 Good morning Jim, you are looking for the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Free Backing - 12" - Left/Right - 7K # 23-342-343. This comes with a pair of Dexter left/right brake assemblies that are direct replacement for your part numbers 023-341-00 and 023-340-00. Do you also need replacement brake drum assemblies? Normally those don't wear out as fast as the actually brake assembly and pads, so you may be alright after taking some measurements and checking for cracks/scoring.
view full answer... - Replacement 12" Dexter Axle Hydraulic Drum Brake Kit with Parking Brake LeverThe correct replacement for your Dexter Axle 023-340-00 and 023-341-00 brake assemblies is found with the Brake Kit # 23-342-343, but since you want the parking brake lever you'll need the kit # T2351300-200 instead. Most brake kits are fairly similar and the difference kind of boils down to personal experience, but in this case Dexter Axle is the only option we have available with the parking brake lever so there really isn't a comparison there.
view full answer... - Does Car Trailer with 7k Axles Need Free-Backing Brake Assemblies as ReplacementsIf your car trailer has a reverse lock out solenoid on it then you wouldn't need free-backing plates and the part # 23-336-337 would be the set you'd need for each axle. If you do not have a reverse lockout solenoid on your actuator (two wires ran to the back of it) you'd need free-backing plates like the part # 23-342-343 so that you could back the trailer up without the brakes applying.
view full answer... - Replacement Free Backing 12 Inch X 2 Inch Brakes For Travel TrailerThe Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit # 23-342-343 is the correct kit for you. This hydraulic drum brake assembly is designed for use with your surge-type trailer brake actuator. The brake's free-backing design lets you reverse without trailer brakes being activated. This kit comes with both the left and right hand side. It has an axle rating up to 7,200 pounds and will fit a wheel size of 14-1/2 inches, 15 inches, or 16 inches. The mounting bolts are not included. I attached a...
view full answer... - Replacement Option for Dexter Trailer Axle Brakes Part 23-340-01 and 23-341-01I do have an option for you but none of our free backing surge braking assemblies in this size have a parking brake feature. That said, we do have a surge brake assembly option with parking brake with the uni-servo backing plates, the Dexter Hydraulic Brake Kit part # T2351300-200. If free backing is a must then I simply recommend using the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit part # 23-342-343 and forgoing the parking brake.
view full answer... - How Do I Back Up with a Surge Brake Actuating Coupler With No Reverse Lockout?The Titan Adjustable-Channel Brake Actuator - Painted - Disc - 2-5/16" Ball - Weld On - 14,000 lbs # T4750000 will allow you to either use the Replacement Solenoid Valve for Titan Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts # T4748800 or you can use free-backing brake assemblies like # 23-342-343.
view full answer... - Recommended Free Backing Surge Trailer Brakes for 6/7K Axle with Parking BrakeI do have an option for you but none of our free backing surge braking assemblies in this size have a parking brake feature. That said, we do have a surge brake assembly option with parking brake with the uni-servo backing plates, the Dexter Hydraulic Brake Kit part # T2351300-200. If free backing is a must then I simply recommend using the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit part # 23-342-343 and forgoing the parking brake.
view full answer... - Will Dexter Hydraulic Brakes # 23-342-343 Work With 16-1/2" Wheels?The Dexter Hydraulic Brakes # 23-342-343 will work just fine with 16-1/2" wheels, as its actually the hub that determines which wheels work not the brake assemblies. Since you already have 16-1/2" wheels your hub should be rated for them, as most all hubs for a 7,000lb axles are rated for up to 17-1/2" diameter wheels.
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Info for this part was:
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Installed by:
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Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Updated by:
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Written by:
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