Installation Troubleshooting New Brake Assemblies on a RV Fifth Wheel Trailer
Updated 10/19/2009 | Published 10/17/2009 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I replaced the left side brake system with one of your complete kits like is shown here 23-105 but the problem is my brakes dont work like they should now and I was wondering if the old brakes were not dexter, which they werent, will this cause a problem as far as the brakes not working right they do seem to work a little, but not like they did, I only replaced one wheel with the dexter kit and I dont remember the name on the other three wheels, my R V is a 2001 Montana 2850rl model if that helps any, please help me!
asked by: Sib R
Expert Reply:
There are several reasons why your trailer brakes may not be performing correctly with a new brake assembly installed. You will need to check that the wiring to the new brake assembly is grounded properly. A bad ground connection can cause many different situations. Your new brakes and magnet will take a short time to break in also. Next I would check the adjustment of the brakes on both sides. Make sure that the brakes are adjusted properly. I would also check the adjustment of the brake controller which may need to be changed with the new brake assembly.
You will need to make sure that the mounting flange, on the axle, for the brake assembly is straight and not bent. If it is bent then reduced braking performance will result. Next make sure that the hub is smooth and not badly pitted or grooved where the magnet rides on the hub. This will not let the magnet perform properly, and you will need to get the hub turned, at a machine shop, or replace it.
Finally, it is usually recommended to replace brake assemblies in pairs so that braking performance will be equal side to side and so that the braking system functions the same reducing differences in braking qualities between differing brake manufacturers. You should not have to replace the brakes on both axles if they are in good shape on the other axle but it may be what is needed on the axle that you have already replaced one side on. Item # 23-106 is the replacement for the right side of your axle.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Video: Removing and Replacing Trailer Brake Shoes Review
- Search Results: 5200 lbs axle trailer brakes
- Search Results: 023 464 00
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Replacement Shoe and Lining Kit for 12" Manual-Adjust Brake Assembly - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Replacement Shoe and Lining for Nev-R-Adjust 12" x 2" Electric - LH
- Q&A: Should Brake Shoes Be Replaced If They Have Been Exposed To Grease
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: etrailer VS Dexter Self Adjusting Brakes Comparison
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly
- Q&A: Do You Need To Fill The EZ Lube Grease Zerk After Repacking The Bearings?
- Q&A: What is Needed to Re-Pack Trailer Bearings With EZ-Lube or Posi-Lube Axle
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 7-1/16" Long U-Bolts
- Shop: CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5.2K to 7K, Round Trailer Axles - 7" Long U-Bolts - Zinc
- Shop: Bronze Bushing - 9/16" Inner Diameter, 11/16" Outer Diameter - 1-3/4" Long - Qty 1
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Wheel Bearing Kit, Bearings 15123/25580, Races 15245/25520, Seal GS-2125DL
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Brake Assemblies B12EA-21 and B12EA-22
- Video: Install: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes on a 2019 Grand Design Reflection 150 Fifth Wheel
- Video: Setting up the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes on a 2017 Grand Design Reflection Fifth Wheel
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Rack and Dual Hitch Adapter for Carrying E-Bikes While Flat Towing

