Is Movement of Armature Arm of Trailer Brake Assembly Normal

Updated 05/14/2024 | Published 05/13/2024

Question:

I have a question about Dexter 10 x 2 1/4 Nev-R-Adjust trailer brakes. My brakes have approximately 9,000 miles on them and seem to be working fine so far. However, when I removed my drum/hub assembly to repack bearings and inspect the brakes I noticed that the arm that holds the magnet, seemed to have a lot of play in it. The magnet arm moves easily in and out toward and away from the backing plate approx. 1/8 in each direction. The arm also swings forward and back approx. 1/4 in each direction before beginning to actuate the brake pads. The wear on both the magnet and pads are normal, but is this much movement of the magnet arm normal? Thank you, Brad

asked by: Brad H

Expert Reply:

Hey Brad, yeah the movement you are seeing is pretty normal. I've played around with enough trailer brake assemblies to know that there is a bit of play in the areas you mentioned when new so what you have is no problem. Since the magnet needs to be able to grab the drum and release it needs to be able to move in and out like you mentioned.

expert reply by: Jameson C