Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that 1 Works and the Other 3 Do Not

Updated 04/06/2018 | Published 04/04/2018

Question:

I have power and ground to all brakes. I put direct power on the magnets from right behind the hub. Also adjusted brakes. Still nothing on 3.

asked by: Jake

Expert Reply:

Adjusting the brakes is the first thing to check. I've linked a video on article that might help you adjust them. On the video skip ahead to the 4:40 mark to see the adjustment process. You can use a flat head screwdriver or we also carry an adjustment spoon, part # W80630.

Have you tested for power all the way to the brake magnets? Yes, you should be able to hear the magnets on them. I've linked an article on testing brake magnets as well. If the magenets are good and getting power then the adjustment pretty much has to be the issue.

If you still can't find the issue let me know what you did find out and we'll keep troubleshooting.

expert reply by: Charles S

Jake

4/4/2018

I have power and ground to all brakes. I put direct power on the magnets from right behind the hub. Also adjusted brakes. Still nothing on 3.

Charles S.

4/6/2018

When you connect them direclty to 12 volt power do you hear the magnets engage? If not the only thing it can be is a bad magnet or ground. And if you're connecting both wires to a 12 volt battery, one to positive and one to negative, the ground should be good. If you do hear the magnets engaging then it's a matter of adjustment but since you said you adjusted them I don't think this is your issue. And since they're new I'm guessing it's a ground issue over a magnet issue. If you didn't connect the ground to your 12 volt power then try that. Or just try improving the ground connection to a clean, bare metal surface.