Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes After Installing New Assemblies

Question:

I replaced backing plate assy with shoes and magnets on dexter axles 12 x2 in brakes. Brakes are weak with 11.2 volts coming out of tow vehicle. Would new drums help? The surface of the drums is worn and wavy

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

It's possible that new drums are in order but typically when new brakes feel weak it's because they are not adjusted properly. If you have self adjusting brake assemblies it will be a matter of applying the brakes several times while the trailer is moving and they will slowly work their way to being tight enough.

If they are manual adjusting assemblies you'll need to manually tighten them till there is a light drag as you turn the wheel by hand. Check out the video (see link). Beginning at the 4:23 mark, our installer shows how to adjust your trailer brakes. For an adjustment spoon to make it easier we have the part # W80630.

expert reply by: Jameson C