Braking is Weaker After Replacing Electric Trailer Brakes

Updated 05/04/2020 | Published 04/11/2013

Question:

My new brakes dont seem to stop as quikly as the old ones even when i turn up the power to 10 it just dont seem to brake as hard?

asked by: Joe M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Anytime you put on new brakes you have to make sure to adjust them. There is a little adjustment wheel below the magnet accessible through a hole on the back side of the backing plate. Use a screwdriver or similar flat blade tool to turn the wheel. You will keep turning it until the pads drag slightly but consistently on the drum when you turn it. I have included a link to a video showing the process. Fast forward to about the 1:55 minute mark to see the process.

If you have done this and braking is still weak there could be a ground problem with the magnets. The grounds need to be attached to clean an corrosion free bare metal surfaces near the brake assembly. You can further test the magnets by following the FAQ I have linked.

expert reply by: Michael H

Jim B.

4/29/2020

I recently installed a replacement 10 brake kit for my 16 utility trailer purchased through Amazon TruRyde branded never do business with their nonresponsive supplier again and was disappointed with their performance. They were installed on the correct sides reconfirmed by your website, bedded and adjusted three times, always to constant drag. Fearing degraded wiring on my 30-year-old trailer, I rewired the trailer with a new molded 7-way plug with 16 of lead, a junction box, and larger gauge wire for the brakes although the original wiring had worked well in the past, so all of the brake wiring is new with soldered connections at the brake backing plates. I tested with two different brake controllers I use a Tekonsha P3 and two trucks, one with factory controller, all with no improvement.The magnets test at 3.0 amps both sides and 3.7 and 3.8 ohms resistance.With the controller at full manual application, the brakes receive 12.2 volts at the backing plates. Grounding is all the way back to the tow vehicle plus a 14-gauge wire from the junction box to the trailer frame primarily for the lights.Re-examination shows that the brake shoes have been making full area contact with the drums.Do I have defective though new magnets?Would small applications of grease on the actuator cams be beneficial?Any and all recommendations will be appreciated. Thank you for your assistance.

Chris R.

4/30/2020

I would say you have ruled out just about everything but the brake assemblies themselves, so it could certainly be bad magnets. Lubricating anything on the assemblies wouldn't help. My only honest recommendation at this point is to try replacing the magnets to see if it helps. We do have 10" replacements available with part # AKBRKR-M10.

Jim B.

5/1/2020

@ChrisR Thank you for your response. I have ordered two of your magnets and look forward to installing them and testing the results.