Replacement Magnet for 12-Inch Electric Brakes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Rich,

You're right that most 3,500-lb axles use 10" brake assemblies, but the axle rating alone doesn't determine which replacement magnet you need. Since you've confirmed that your existing brakes are 12", you'll want to match the magnet to the 12" brake assembly.

The Lippert Magnet Kit for 12" Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies # LC67ZP would be a good option if you're replacing just the magnet. It includes the magnet, spring, retainer clip, and lead wires needed for the replacement.

That said, if the brake assemblies have some age or wear on them, I usually recommend replacing the complete assemblies instead of rebuilding them one component at a time. By the time you're replacing a magnet, the shoes and other hardware may also be worn.

If you eventually want to convert the axle to the more common 10" brake setup used on most 3,500-lb axles, you'll need to replace both the hub/drums and brake assemblies so everything matches. For a standard 5-on-4-1/2" wheel bolt pattern, you could use two Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assemblies # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K along with the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA, which includes a left- and right-hand assembly for one axle. Before going that route, though, I'd want to confirm your bearing sizes, wheel bolt pattern, and brake mounting flange to make sure those parts fit your axle.

What kind of trailer do you have, and what size wheels are on it now?

expert reply by: Jerry B

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