Testing Brake Magnets to Determine if They Need to be Replaced

Question:

Hi, Im testing my brake magnets per your instructional FAQ and am having trouble determining the actual amperage. When hooked to the wires at each wheel with the vehicle running, Im getting on average 2.6 ams @ 12.6 V. Bench testing however, with a 12.8V battery, the amps start off about 3.4 and drift lower to about 2.7 amps. Is this drift normal?

asked by: Wayne

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your magnets are in need of being replaced. Since the normal spec for 10 and 12 inch brake magnets is 3.2-4.0 Max amps at 12-13 volts and 7 inch magnets is 3.0-3.2 max amps at 12-13 volts and yours is coming in much lower than that it would indicate that the leads are bad and the magnets should be replaced.

I attached the FAQ article on how to test brake magnets as well as a page that has all of the brake magnets we offer for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C