How to Attach Dexter Parking Brake Kit with Breakaway to Hydraulic Drum Brakes

Updated 09/02/2025 | Published 06/18/2025

Question:

I recently installed the Dexter Brake Backing Plate 6K Axle 12x2 with PARK BRAKE Right and Left K23-112-113 on my trailer that has a parking brake level on the back of the plate. The parking brake assembly lever and cable that is already on the trailer is similar to the Dexter Parking Brake Kit with Breakaway for Hydraulic Drum Brakes T2385200. How do you attach this type of cable etc to the lever on the back of the plate? Is there an adaptor kit etc? Thank you

asked by: Andrew W

Expert Reply:

Hello Andrew,

Great choice on installing the Dexter K23-112-113 brake backing plates with the parking brake lever, and you're totally on the right track. The good news is, you don't actually need any special adapter kit to hook up your existing parking brake cable. If your cable setup looks like the one from the Dexter hydraulic drum brake kit # T2385200, you can still use it with your new plates.

Here’s how to make it all come together: First, mount the outer cable housing into the little bracket on the back of the brake plate as it is made for that. Then take the inner cable, slide the spring from your old setup over it (if you have one), and run the bare cable through the hole in the lever. There’s a bolt hole in that lever, you may need to open it up just a bit (1/8" or so) to get a small bolt through. Once the cable is in place, slide the spring down so it sits between the lever and the housing, then run your bolt through the lever and the cable. Add a washer on each side and a little lock nut on the back, just snug it up, don’t overtighten it.

When you pull the parking brake handle up front, you should feel the lever move and the shoes tighten up. Adjust the cable so there’s enough tension to hold things in place, but not so much that it’s tough to release. A lot of people reuse their old cable ends and springs, and some even use little hardware-store tricks like E-clips or washers to anchor things if needed, it’s pretty forgiving.

Let me know how things work out!

expert reply by: Kate F

Kate F.

9/2/2025

Hey Andrew, How did the installation go with your Dexter brake backing plates and parking brake cable? I'm curious to know if the setup worked smoothly for you, as it could help others with similar projects.