2017 Jayco Jayflight with Lippert 4400 axles. I’ve been getting a trailer wiring fault message from my truck which is related to the brakes (the brakes are now only intermittently working). I’m trying to trace the issue and I noticed that as I pulled on the brake wires that cross inside the axles they were wet and a bit muddy. I had recently driven in heavy rain, but I was surprised that so much water would be inside the axles. Is this normal or should I be concerned? I’m contemplating drilling a small weep hole under the axles for the water to drain out but not sure if that’s advisable.

Are the brake wires individual wires or are they a two conductor jacketed cable?If individual, you should replace with the two conductor brake cable.Single conductor wires could have small nicks which would allow moisture to enter and effect quality of braking power.I would not drill holes in tubular axles. However look at each end for factory drain holes. Make sure, if equipped they are open and clear of debris.

The wires are insulated and the insulation is molded together within the axles. Once they exit the axles they’re separated and connect to the respective ground and power wires/magnets. I’ll have to look again, but I don’t recall seeing any factory drain holes.

Molded together wires do not offer the same insulation quality as jacketed brake cable.You can find this cable at some auto parts stores in shorter lengths. Jacket should come through access hole in axle, Many just use heavy cable ties and attach to exterior of axle.2 conductor jacketed brake cable

Thanks. So no issues if I run the jacketed cable outside of the axles? That sounds like a better option than submerging the wires in the water sitting inside the axles.

MHay wrote:Thanks. So no issues if I run the jacketed cable outside of the axles? That sounds like a better option than submerging the wires in the water sitting inside the axles.That would be good. I still would drill very small weep holes at each end to dry it out and slow the rusting. After they are dry, shoot Fluid Film inside and plug the holes.

Water inside axles - normal? | Good Sam Community

enblethen
Nomad
Jul 08, 2021
Where are the holes that exist for the wiring? Top or bottom?
Use black cable ties not white. Black holds up better.
Could use stainless hose clamps. If you do protect clamp area with jacket removed at ends.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jul 07, 2021
MHay wrote:
Thanks. So no issues if I run the jacketed cable outside of the axles? That sounds like a better option than submerging the wires in the water sitting inside the axles.

That would be good. I still would drill very small weep holes at each end to dry it out and slow the rusting. After they are dry, shoot Fluid Film inside and plug the holes.
MHay
Explorer
Jul 07, 2021
Thanks. So no issues if I run the jacketed cable outside of the axles? That sounds like a better option than submerging the wires in the water sitting inside the axles.
enblethen
Nomad
Jul 07, 2021
Molded together wires do not offer the same insulation quality as jacketed brake cable.
You can find this cable at some auto parts stores in shorter lengths. Jacket should come through access hole in axle, Many just use heavy cable ties and attach to exterior of axle.
2 conductor jacketed brake cable
MHay
Explorer
Jul 07, 2021
The wires are insulated and the insulation is molded together within the axles. Once they exit the axles they’re separated and connect to the respective ground and power wires/magnets.

I’ll have to look again, but I don’t recall seeing any factory drain holes.
enblethen
Nomad
Jul 07, 2021
Are the brake wires individual wires or are they a two conductor jacketed cable?
If individual, you should replace with the two conductor brake cable.
Single conductor wires could have small nicks which would allow moisture to enter and effect quality of braking power.
I would not drill holes in tubular axles. However look at each end for factory drain holes. Make sure, if equipped they are open and clear of debris.

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Water inside axles - normal?

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