How Tight Should the Nuts be When Attaching a Trailer Brake Assembly to a Trailer

Updated 11/30/2010 | Published 11/28/2010

Question:

I have a Dexter 3500lbs Torque Flex Axle with 10 brakes and 13 5 on 41/2 wheels. What is the torque recomendation for the backing plates and lug nuts? Thanks

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

When installing brake assemblies like the Electric Brake Assembly, # 23-27, that you have referenced, there is no specific torque rating when tightening the nuts on the backing plate. Basically you will want them to be as tight as you can get them using the appropriate wrench. You will not need to use a breaker bar for extra torque when tightening the nuts. Take a look at the two videos linked below. Our installer does not mention a specific torque rating, but uses a wrench and tightens the nuts in a criss-cross pattern to get the assembly tightened evenly.

expert reply by: Michael H