Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes That Won’t Release with the Dexter # DX82KR Actuator

Updated 10/12/2026 | Published 10/11/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter BrakeRite Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - Vented - 1,500 psi

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$977.99

Question:

2017 ford f-450 pulling a 3 axle disc brake cattle trailer. Trailer has this actuator mounted to it less than five years old. My problem is the brakes won’t release after brakes are applied. After a few minutes they slowly release. I switched trucks and the problem followed. Any ideas.

asked by: Morgan R

Expert Reply:

Hey Morgan.

The first troubleshooting steps for the # DX82KR not releasing is to check the electrical inputs. The blue wire (brake controller input) check to see whether it continues to receive a sustained brake signal after the brake pedal and manual override are released. Next, check the brown wire (breakaway input) for unwanted power with the pin fully inserted. A wiring problem here could be applying the brakes on either truck. Always a good idea to check your ground for a secure, clean connection as well. If neither your blue nor brown wire are powering the brakes, yet they remain applied, then you move on to check where the hydraulic pressure is being trapped.

Dexter specifically warns that a kinked or damaged brake line can prevent the brakes from releasing. If the actuator itself maintains pressure after the electrical brake command ends and brake lines look good, then there may be an internal problem with the actuator. But I highly recommend trying these things first and let me know what you find.

Do you know if all brake assemblies are sticking or is it a more localized issue?

expert reply by: Trent G