Replacing Warner 12 Inch Electric Brakes & 6 Bolt Mounting Flange

Updated 05/08/2025 | Published 05/23/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6K

(1628)

$255.17

Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6,000 lbs

(1555)

$218.75

Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs

(1556)

$207.33

Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle

(33)

$45.13

Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12" Brake Assemblies

(220)

$33.60

Question:

Since no 12 x 2 Warner electric brake parts are available I removed the Warner electric backing plate assembly from my 1960 Yellowstone travel trailer and it has a 6 bolt pattern for attaching the plate assembly. The lug pattern on the drum is 5 x 5 1/2. Does Dexter offer a replacement for this. Is the drum still useable and if so, do I need to keep the magnet plate that is mounted on the inside of the drum? Thanks!

asked by: Michael E

Expert Reply:

So you'd have to change out everything, including the brake mounting flange, as the 6-bolt is simply not used anymore. There isn't a direct replacement from Dexter, so you'd need a 5-bolt brake mounting flange welded on (assuming you have a 3" diameter axle, which you should though you'll want to verify), the brakes, and a new hub and drum. The flange and brakes are the following:

- Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle # 4-44-1

- Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - 6,000 lbs # 23-105-106
or
- Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - 7,000 lbs # 23-180-181

- Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12" Brake Assemblies # BRKH12

Both the 6k and 7k brakes are 12" x 2" but the right one will depend on the capacity you need. As for the hub and drum, to get the right one you'd need to know the bearings your current hub has. You will need to take apart your current hub assembly and look at the bearings themselves; wipe away the grease and you should be able to see the part number stamped directly on them.

If you let me know what they are I can see if there is a good replacement for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Andrew K.

4/25/2025

Kyle, It sounds like I have the similar type axles on my double axle trailer. I have a 3” square axle not round. Also, the axle drum has a “friction” disc mounted inside to catch the electric disc on the hub. My question is if I do retrofit the new 12” brakes to my square axle, can I use the existing 5 x 5.5 drum or do I need new ones? I also nave the bearing numbers for replacement.

Jerred H.

5/8/2025

@AndrewK If you have Warner electric brakes like the question above you'll want to retrofit to add new modern brakes. There are no square axle brake flanges so you'll need to have a welder install the Trailer Brake Mounting Flange for 3-1/2" Axles, 12-1/4" Brake Assemblies item # 4-50. These are sold individually. As far as hub goes, I'll definitely need to know the part numbers for the bearings to get you the right ones. I'll also need to know your lug nut pattern so you do not have to replace your wheels. I have linked a couple of faq articles below that will guide you through the measurements. For brakes you'll want the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - 6,000 lbs item # 23-105-106 or Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - 7,000 lbs item # 23-180-181 depending on your axle's capacity. Do you know who the manufacturer of your brakes is? What is the capacity of your axles?

Helpful Links

faq-adding-hydraulic-drum-brakes.aspx

faq-wheel-bolt-pattern.aspx