Troubleshooting Pre-Mature Wear on 7" Brake Assemblies and Magnets
Updated 09/26/2025 | Published 04/18/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I installed a set of Dexter Electric brake assemblies on my Jayco pop up camper in May of 2023. The order was XXX. These were the 7inch brake assemblies with hub and drums as well. Im using the Prodigy P3 controller. The installation was pretty straight forward. I used the trailer in 2023 no more than 250 miles and no more than 50 miles in 2024. My last trip in 2024 one of the brakes was dragging and getting hot. I pulled over and removed the hub assembly and found the magnet face wasnt very flat and worn on the outer edges. The magnet clip was missing and the Actuating lever had a ring that was spot welded to it and now was broken away. When I got back home I removed the other brake hub and found the brake magnet wearing excessively on the outer edges. What should I be looking for or maybe doing differently?
asked by: Tom S
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Expert Reply:
Hey Tom, thanks for reaching out!
I've never really heard of this happening before, but what I can say is that two common mistakes people make are how tight they make the castle nut on the outside of the hub, like your Dexter Axle # 8-276-5UC3, and how much they adjust the brakes like your Dexter Axle Kit # 23-47-48.
You'll want to tighten the castle nut down so it's snug and then back it off to the next adjustment, so the hub is able to spin.
Then for the brakes you want them adjusted so there is a slight drag when you spin the wheel without the brakes applied. This makes it so the brakes don't wear down too fast, but they are also ready to go when they get power.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for Hydraulic Brakes - 2,200-lb Axles - 4 on 4
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Drum
- Standard
- L44649 / L44649
- Standard Grade
- For 2200 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 4 on 4 Inch
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- 13 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: What Is the Difference Between a BTR and BT8 Spindle
- Q&A: What is the Replacement Wheel Hub Needed on the Axle of a 1996 Jayco 1207 Popup Trailer
- Q&A: Correct Replacement Brakes and Hub/Drum Assembly for '97 Jayco Popup
- Q&A: Replacement Axle, Hubs and Wheels for 1997 Jayco Pop-Up Camper 8SD
- Q&A: How To Determine Axle Capacity of Trailer with 4 Lug Hubs with Brakes
- Q&A: Hub For Outer Bearing LM11949 & Inner Bearing LM67048
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Q&A: Replacement Bearings and Seal for Dexter Hub 8-147
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Where to Position the Trailer Axle?
Jon G.
9/26/2025
Hey Tom, did adjusting the castle nut and brake settings help with the brake issue on your Jayco camper? I'm asking because your experience could really help others facing similar problems.