Troubleshooting No Brakes After Installation
Updated 10/22/2025 | Published 04/05/2025
Question:
Installed brakes, took pains with it , no brakes at all, is there something that should be removed before installing brake assembly as shipped?
asked by: Kerry R
Expert Reply:
Hi Kerry; there are a lot of possibilities here but I can tell you there isn't something you have to remove (aside from the hubs and old brakes) for the installation. As long as your Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes # 23-468-469 are hooked up to power and ground (I will assume they are) they will work. How are you testing to see if they work? Are you hitting the brakes in the tow vehicle while sitting stationary? If so, I'm guessing you have a proportional brake controller which does require moving for the brakes to activate. You will need to use the manual override to get the brakes to engage while sitting stationary.
Also, did you break them in? Once you get these brakes installed, you'll need to break them in. First, find a long stretch of road or a big, empty parking lot. Once you're there, set your brake controller to its maximum setting and get moving. Speed up to about 40 mph and brake to slow to about 20 mph. Repeat this 15-30 times. The goal is to get the brake shoes and magnet properly seated into your drum. You'll know you've done that when it feels less jerky (and more consistent) each time you apply the brakes.
(click to enlarge)
Kerry R.
10/22/2025
Its all good, broke them in properly, checked overtime I stopped while traveling, nothing hot and working well.
Robin H.
10/22/2025
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: bearing kits trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: grease
- Search Results: bearing kit
- Search Results: trailer hubs and drums
- Search Results: marine bearing grease lubricants sealants adhesives
- Search Results: 23~180~00
- Shop: LubriMatic Marine Trailer Wheel Bearing Grease - 3 oz. Cartridges - Qty 3
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Trailer Wheel Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Video: Feature Breakdown: LubriMatic Marine Trailer Wheel Bearing Grease
- Shop: LED Identification Light Bar for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - 9 Diodes - Red Lens
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 6 Function - 11 Diodes - Passenger Side
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7,000-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7,000 lbs
- Q&A: Do Trailer Drums have to be Turned when Replacing Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies
- Q&A: Why Would Trailer Brake Assembly Not Work After Replacement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Trailer Brakes
Robin H.
10/22/2025
Hey Kerry, how did things go after you used the manual override and went through the break-in process with your Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes? It’d be great to hear if the braking performance improved once everything seated properly. Your update could make it easier for the next person with the same issue.