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chiefward's avatar
chiefward
Explorer
Aug 23, 2016

FYI: Brake Problem Solved

This is a heads up for anyone having electrical problems with their brakes. My brake controller was giving me a warning "overload no brakes". Called brake controller help line and was told bad electro-magnet or short in wiring. I did a thorough inspection of the visible brake wiring which did not show anything unusual. So I ordered a compete set of new brakes and took them to my son-in-law's shop for installation. He installed the brake kits and double checked the wiring including inside the axles. And low and behold there was the short in the wire in the rear axle. (The brakes needed replacing anyway, they were half gone.)

If any of you get an overload warning be sure to check the wires inside the axles. By the way, I got all four 12-2, 4400# AL-KO axle brake kits from Amazon for $133.00. Trailer Parts Superstore quoted me $130 for each wheel.

3 Replies

  • Mine had shorted in the middle of the axle. My son in law had to take the wire out to see the short. One side of the wire was bare and there was signs of melted insulation. The constant vibration from travel must have caused this.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Just curious did your brake wires get stripped to ground at the small hole where it enters to the inside of the axle housing..

    Mine has two wires that get pushed through there to provide power for the opposite side brake magnet...

    I think that is a hollow housing not like the rear end axles of vehicles where you have turning parts...

    Roy Ken
  • Good reminder to many....

    And if fixing / replacing brake wiring, recommend replacing factory linear brake wiring with thicker 10 Gauage STAR design as well. re: Individual 10 gauge wires (current and ground) to each wheel hub. I do this upgrade to all my trailers (RV, boat, utility) and its much better than factory. IMO, STAR design should be factory default.

    For my previous post about STAR design wiring, surf: - click here -

    Hope this helps as well...

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