Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Assembly that Locks Up One Wheel on Trailer

Updated 10/29/2018 | Published 10/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs

(196)

$82.09

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(348)

$115.48

Question:

I have a 7x14 enclosed trailer with 2 Dexter Torflex 3500lb axels. The leftDrivers side rear just started locking up yesterday 10-27-2018. I keep the controller set around 6.50 or 6.00 Trailer is a 2012....do I need all new brakes? or is this an adjustment? Someone said to put it in reverse and hit the brakes a few time and they will self adjust? I am thinking its not the wiring, if it was, then all brakes should have an issuebrake controller issue.....Its 2013 Chevy 2500HD with factory electric brakes. Had an issue a while back with lights - I replace the female connector on the truck and they have worked flawless until now. Please help!

asked by: Joey

Expert Reply:

Most likely it's a mechanical problem on the specific assembly that's locking up when you hit the brakes. If it was a short in the wiring they all would be locking up. Best option is to pull the hub off and inspect the assembly to see if you can find out what's wrong with the assembly and then replace/fix as needed. For an exact replacement for your assembly on the left hand side you'd want the part # 23-468.

Also you should note that the Dexter self adjusting brake assemblies do not adjust when the trailer is in reverse. They actually adjust when needed as the trailer is moving forward and the brakes are applied.

expert reply by: Jameson C