Would Trailer Brake Magnet Hold Hub/Drum Onto Trailer Spindle

Updated 07/27/2026 | Published 07/18/2026

Question:

I have a dexter 3500lb axle, the brake drum wont come off completely. it appears the electric brake magnet is engaged keeping the drum from releasing?

asked by: Ted L

Expert Reply:

Hey Ted, it sounds like something else is holding the drum on to the spindle as even when the magnet is fully energized it doesn't grab the drum so hard that you couldn't pull it off. Now with that said if the trailer is disconnected and still holding the brakes the only way that would be possible is if the breakaway pin was pulled. And if that was case it wouldn't hold the brakes for that long as the battery will eventually die. My guess is a bearing is caught on like a ridge on the spindle and that's holding it up.

Once you get it off the correct replacement hub/drum would be the part # 84546UC3 that you referenced.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Bill

7/24/2026

It sounds like the brakes are worn badly enough to be grooved and are adjusted out enough that the grooves are holding the drum on. Have you used a brake spoon to adjust the shoes in as far as possible?