Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes That Voltage Makes it to the Assemblies But They Don't Work

Updated 07/27/2015 | Published 07/26/2015

Question:

I have a trailer with 2 Dexter 3500 lb axles that have 10inch electric brakes on them. The brakes stopped working. After considerable testing i couldnt find a problem and decided to buy new brake assemblies. I cut the wires that lead to the other brakes so Im just working with the first wheel. I installed the first one and it still didnt work. I am getting 12.4 volts to the wires where the brake connects but when I put the drum on i no longer have a connection. I ran a new power and ground wire from the truck, by passing the trailer, to the first brake and without the drum i get a connection but when I put the drum i i lose the connection.I also disconnected the beak away. The truck is a 2012 Chevy 2500 with built in controller.

asked by: Frank C

Expert Reply:

Sounds like the problem is the ground wire of your brake assemblies. If you have power to the assemblies but the ground wire isn't connected to a clean metal surface of the trailer frame then you would have the problems you described.

Also check the condition of the main trailer ground that goes from the trailer connector to the frame of the trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C