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.
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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 >
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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.