Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes And Magnet Function

Question:

40 ft. two axle trailer we just replaced the shoes and brakes still do not work correctly they seem to apply but are not holding good. I checked for continuity at the magnet wires did not check ohm read out jus listened for the beep. Two of them had continuity and two did not. So I know I have two bad solenoids. Can you connect the wires backwards or will the magnets work either direction?

asked by: Quentin

Expert Reply:

Electric brake magnets cannot be connected backwards. The magnets work with the wires connected either way. I have attached an article to help you with the brake troubleshooting. It sounds like the brakes may need to be adjusted. Even with self-adjusting brakes like # AKEBRK-35-SA, you need to do an initial adjustment at install.

I've attached a few videos to assist. If you need an adjustment spoon, I recommend the Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes # W80630.

expert reply by: Jason S