Should Trailer Brakes Be Replaced In Pairs

Updated 08/05/2025 | Published 08/02/2025

Question:

I am getting brake disconnect warning on my truck dash, I connected a test box to my trailer, when I engage the trailer breaker switch the left side locks up but the right seems intermittent. If I replace right side should I replace left also?

asked by: James J

Expert Reply:

Hi James; it is not an absolute yes, but I do recommend replacing trailer brakes like the # AKEBRK-7-SA as a pair. This will keep the wear the same between the two and help with even braking. It also means you won't have different brake assemblies wearing out at different times. This is especially true if you have put a lot of miles on those brakes.

Since the one side is intermittent it would be worth checking out the wiring to that brake assembly just to be sure you don't have a short or a bad ground first.

What kind of trailer do you have?

expert reply by: Robin H