Troubleshooting Brakes Not Activating with Curt Echo Mobile Brake Controller and New Assemblies

Published 09/09/2025

Question:

Question on electric brakes. When I put a compass near the brake hub, activate the Kurt echo controller I hear a buzz, but no compass needle deflection. Brakes are new, but not working. I was pretty careful with my grounding wire and used liquid tape to cover the ground screw. Any suggestions? Thanks, Larry

asked by: Larry G

Expert Reply:

Hey Larry, I like your compass technique but I would try using a voltmeter to measure the volts that are on the output circuit that are providing current to your assemblies to try and get a better idea of what is making it to your assemblies.

With that said a lot of times new brake assemblies feeling weak is because they aren't adjusted properly so that's the first thing I think of since you are hearing them actually come on with the buzzing. That's a good sign by the way.

Did you do any initial adjustments on the assemblies and are they manual or self adjusting?

expert reply by: Jameson C