Hey guys. I had a Dexter "never adjust" brake come apart last December. A trailer repair shop told me that was a common problem and I should replace all my brakes with manually adjustable brakes. He sold me brakes rated for 5.2 to 6K and said they were the same brakes as the ones for 7K. They are 12" X 2" like I had, but they don't have much stopping power. Could it be that the magnet does not have as much magnetism as the 7K magnets? I wish I saved the old ones, but I did not. I called the distributer where I got the brakes and they tried to tell me the drums were worn and that magnets are not the problem. I have less than 5,000 miles on the drums and no noticeable wear. Granted, I didn't measure them with a mic, but I've seen enough brakes in my day to know they aren't worn beyond spec. Also, I always have my exhaust brake on when driving and try not to overwork the brakes.Before changing the brakes, I ran my controller at about 4. Now, I have it on 10 and cannot lock the brakes even when manually applying them. They are all properly adjusted for a light "scrubbing" and all magnets work. While jacked up, I spun each wheel and had my wife apply the brakes and each locked up.What are y'alls thoughts on this?

I see one of two issues here:1. Even though you feel "light scrubbing" when rotating a tire, it's probably not enough. I'd try adjusting the brakes a little more aggressively. Also remember the brake manufacturer suggests you re-adjust your brakes every 3000 miles. Personally, I recommend every 1000 miles on manually adjusted brakes.2. Adjust your brake controller to a more aggressive setting. On my fiver, I set it so that when I manually apply the trailer brakes at 20mph, the tires will lock up, then I back it off one setting and try again. If the brakes don't lock up, you're good to go. If they still lock up, back it off one setting at a time until they don't.BTW, I'm running Lippert self adjusting brakes now, and they seem to hold up very well. They too are 12x2" brakes, and might be a good replacement from the manual brakes. If you're really serious about getting great braking, you could make the expenditure to convert to disk brakes.

Scrap the whole mess and install disc brakes. At around 2500 dollars including labor it will move your trailer to the 20th century brake wise.

I just re-did all 4 brakes on my TT as 3 of the brakes were not working properly - very little braking.I removed the drums. cleaned everything with brakeclean and power washed the brake assemblies. I replaced 2 of the drums/brakes as a complete assembly (Dexter) as there was scoring where the magnets make contact.Everything was put back together - I drove forwards and backwards several times to seat the brake shoes and then lifted each wheel - I adjusted each brake so I could not move them with my hand and then "un-clicked" each shoe by 2 clicks. I can now lock up all 4 wheels with no problems.I think port of your problem is that everything has to be squeaky clean and not scoring on the drums. Try adjusting each wheel a bit more but FIRST makesure that each magnet is being energized. I found a broken ground on 1 wheel.Also go for a drive and apply the brakes manually several times - then feel each wheel/drum for heat (careful here - the drums may be HOOOOOT). If each wheel feels about the same temp - then you brakes are all being applied about the same.Gerry

They are NOT the same parts, only look the same. Different magnets and the lining on the shoes is not the same material. Art.

Thanks for the replies, y'all. I have my brake controller set on the maximum setting. Rvpapa are you saying I need different magnets or shoes? If the shoes are adjusted for more scrubbing, there will be too much heat build-up, won't there?

Any electric brake experts here? | Good Sam Community

lynndiwagon
Explorer
Nov 26, 2015
I found this interesting:

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust 6K and 7K Electric Brake Assembly
Question:
What is the difference between the Dexter 12inch Nev-R-Adjust electric brake assembly for 6k axles and the one for 7K axles? Are they interchangeable? Thanks.
asked by: Terry B

Expert Reply:
The Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Assembly for 6K pound axles # 23-459, # 23-458 and the brake assembly for the 7K pound axles #23-464, # 23-465 are interchangeable in that both are mounted on a 5-bolt pattern and would fit on 12 inch hub/drums.

However, the 7K brake has a stronger magnet and upgraded brake shoes with greater stopping power than the 6K.

Even though they would fit, you would not want to put the 6K Nev-R-Adjust # 23-459, # 23-458 on a trailer with a 7K pound axle. You could put the 7K Nev-R-Adjust # 23-464, # 23-465 on a trailer with an axle capacity of lower than 7K.
lynndiwagon
Explorer
Nov 26, 2015
Good Deal, here is the link for one side of the trailer. Here is the link for the other side. Do some research as I'm not sure this is the right one for you, but I bet it is. I used these on my Hitchhiker 7K axles and had better brakes than when new. Good luck.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015

Has anyone seen a magnet this big? I haven't! It's on a 2010 Pace 3 - 6k Dexter torsion axle gooseneck car hauler I just bought. The magnets and shoes aren't even fully seated and they were all 20-25 clicks loose and it stopped good when I pulled it home. I had to back the gain off on my controller.
I've replaced 5.2k brakes with 7k back plate and the magnets were no bigger and stopping was barely better. These are the biggest Dexter magnets I've seen and I think they make a difference. Craig
YakFishMo
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
lynndiwagon wrote:
To the OP, I wasn't questioning your ability to do the job, just the materials.

I knew that, no worries! I figured someone would be thinking that, not necessarily you. Thanks for the info. After reading what JIMNLIN posted, I'm sure that I really need all new brakes. It irritates me that the so called experts sold me the wrong parts. It was the whole assemblies that I installed. I'm going to call them and give them an opportunity to make things right. If they don't, I'll let you all know where not to go!
wagon_b0y
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
I replaced all 3 6k axles with dexter brake assemblys. Mine didn't stop well either. I have the controller at max power and it barely slowed down the trailer. It took 4 - 400 mile trips to where i can finally back down the controller to 6.

They just need time to seat in. If you went 2000 miles already but all freeway, you probably hardley used the breaks.
lynndiwagon
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
To the OP, I wasn't questioning your ability to do the job, just the materials. Etrailer.com is a good place to go for replacement parts, including new magnets. The backing plate assemblies I was talking about were complete units, they already have ALL of the components for replacement mounted.
RGar974417
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
I built a 7 x12 cargo trailer 4 years ago and have had a similar problem. The brakes have never worked correctly.I have replaced one pair and still no difference.It's not the controller because I use the same controller on my travel trailer with no issues. I have adjusted the brakes several times.It didn't help. I called the manufacturer and told him the issue.He asked what voltage I had at the brakes and I told him and he said that is what they should be getting.He was no help. I had a mechanic who has 40 years of experience with all kinds of brakes.He cleaned and adjusted them and there was still no difference.They work but they won't lock up like my TT brakes do.I also have controller as high as it will go for the cargo trailer and it makes no difference. The mechanics thought was the breaks weren't big enough,but they are rated for 4,000 lbs which is the gross weight for the trailer.So I am very interested in this thread if you find a solution.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Nov 25, 2015
The guy that sold me the brakes said they are 5.2 to 6K brakes, but also said "they are the same as the 7K brakes".

This from Dexter website:
Dexter brakes

BRAKES - Can I upgrade to bigger brakes?
*No, the different brake sizes offered by Dexter are not interchangeable on existing axles. There are only a few cases where you may be able to upgrade with stronger magnets and more aggressive linings. Typically the problem that causes weak brakes is under adjustment in the smaller brakes that require frequent manual adjusting (see: How often should I adjust my brakes?) or insufficient brake voltage in the electric brakes (see: Why aren't my electric brakes working properly).*
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I emailed Dexter with this question;
Dexter email;
Your online website says;

"The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of your running gear is determined by the lowest rated component in the assembly. The capacity of the wheel, tire, axle, brake, springs/rubber and hub are all considered."
However the 5.2k/6k and 7k axles show 12" x 2" brakes. What is the determining brake spec differences in those three axle ratings ?
I've looked at Dexters online brake part specs and see different part numbers but that doesn't say the 6k axle brakes have more braking performance than the 5.2k axle brakes.
Thanks....xxxxxxxxxx

answer from Dexter:
Mr. xxxxxx,

*While the 5.2, 6 & 7K brake's are all 12x2 in size they do have different lining material, magnets and reinforcement of the metal backing plates.
Thanks

Jim Miller / Dexter Axle *

You might want to clue your brake guy on what Dexter says. I would contact Dexter and ask them what part numbers you need.
YakFishMo
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
Lynnmor wrote:
Give it some time, my new Dexter brakes took a thousand miles to get up to full braking performance. The problem is the friction material that is used today to satisfy the green crowd.

I did get nearly a thousand miles when we traveled from Jacksonville, FL to Berryville, AR. Then, we traveled from here is Arkansas to Cherokee, NC and back again. That's 2075 miles since the brakes were installed and they still won't stop. :(
Lynnmor
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
Give it some time, my new Dexter brakes took a thousand miles to get up to full braking performance. The problem is the friction material that is used today to satisfy the green crowd.