Will the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust 6K and 7K Brake Assemblies Work For 5K Axles On My Trailer

Published 09/22/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left Hand - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs

(383)

$72.78

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(223)

$8.08

Question:

I have 2-5K axles on a 30 6800 dry weight trailer. My brakes never worked that strong when they were new. I could not lock the breaks from 30 miles per hour. Now, the breaks only slow and the linings arent even worn. I want to replace the brake system with the 6K or 7k Nev-R-adjust brakes. However, I dont know what problems I will run into if I do. I think I want the blue magnet which is on the 7K brakes as the magnet is stronger and should give me more breaking power. Please help me make the right decision. I am going to have the drums both the magnet and brake side resurfaced. Also, Im not sure if either baking plate will mount to my axles. Thank you for your help,

asked by: Tony G

Expert Reply:

I would recommend checking 2 adjustments on your brake setup to make sure they are adjusted correctly. The first adjustment is on the back of your drum brakes using a special pry tool, like the # W80630. You will want to turn the adjustment gear through the back of the hub with this tool until you cannot spin the hub anymore, then back the gear off ten clicks, this is the proper adjustment for the brakes (see video at 4:25).

You can get the tool to adjust brakes at a local hardware store or you can use a screwdriver, but it is not as easy to adjust the brakes as it would be using the special tool.

The other adjustment you will want to check is your brake controller. You will want to disconnect your brake controller for a few minutes, and then plug it back in and reset all the settings on the controller. Then, use the brake controller instructions to setup the brake controller fresh. After adjusting your brakes, I would drive the vehicle with the trailer to test how the brakes are operating.

For replacing the brake assemblies on your trailer you will just need to make sure the brake mounting flanges on your axles have the same bolt pattern and that the current brakes are 12 inches by 2 inches. If the measurements and bolt pattern match up,then the self adjusting # AKEBRK-7L-SA (left), # AKEBRK-7R-SA (right) would work for you and these are rated for up to 7K

expert reply by: Reno H