Can I Cut The Wire Going To My Brakes To Stop Brakes From Locking Up
Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 10/31/2024 >
Question:
Can I cut the brake wire on the one brake that’s locking up and still have brakes on other three til I get home?
asked by: Bill S
Expert Reply:
Hello Bill, that is an interesting question. If one of your brake assemblies is getting constant 12v power and locking up, then yes, cutting the wire would release the magnet and stop the brake from engaging. If something else is causing the brake to lock up, then cutting the wire would not do anything. I would only recommend doing this if you are taking the trailer directly to a shop. Driving without brakes on one side could cause bad sway or uneven tire wear so you would want to get this fixed as soon as possible.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Looking For New Brakes And Hubs For Trailer With Hub Number 8-201
- Q&A: What Is The Difference Between Dexter Electric Brakes 23-180-181 and 23-105-106?
- Q&A: Converting Trailer from Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes
- Q&A: Availability of Soft Start for Dometic FreshJet 5
- Q&A: Recommended Self-Adjusting Brakes and Hubs for a 2022 Heartland RV Torque TT T281 Toy Hauler?
- Q&A: Why Would Surge Brake Actuator Not Want to Release Brake Pressure When Driving Forward
- Q&A: Looking For Grease Seal For Dexter 5,100 lb Axle
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Adding Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brakes


Jesse M.
12/15/2025
Hey Bill, how did things go with the brake that was locking up on your trailer? Were you able to get it to the shop safely and have the issue sorted out? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with a similar brake problem.