Replacement Axle Recommendation For An Older 12"x2" Braking Assembly

Updated 08/30/2022 | Published 08/29/2022

Question:

Im having trouble finding the correct replacement for my trailer brakes. They are 12x2inch and have a 5 bolt mounting pattern on the backing plate, but they have much larger bolt spacing than the brakes Im seeing available. A couple pictures are attached. I could take either a complete assembly w/backing plate or just the shoe and magnet assembly to work with the existing backing plate. Do you carry any replacements for this style?

asked by: Kalvis

Helpful Expert Reply:

The reason you're having some trouble finding what you need is because you have a pretty old setup on your trailer and it is no longer used.

With that being said, your best and easiest solution is going to be a full axle replacement. Since you have a 12"x2" braking assembly, you'll likely need an axle with a weight capacity of 5,200-7,000-lbs, however I recommend finding that out to be sure.

Additionally, you're going to need to measure the hub-face-to-hub-face distance (A), as well as the spring-center-to-spring-center distance (B); shown below.

For example, if you measured 94" for a hub-face-to-hub-face distance, and 79" from spring-center-to-spring-center distance, then the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles # 8327864.

expert reply by: Bryce D