Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes That Won't Lock Up with Override Lever of Controller Slid

Question

Question:

I can not get the brakes to lock up with the manual slide override. I max it out @ 12 volts but the trailer brakes barely have any stopping power. I tried setting them up just as the instructions said but they will not work.

asked by: George M

0

Expert Reply:

This could be a magnet wiring problem. It is unlikely that the magnets are bad on newer assemblies, but if the wiring is not properly connected, it could cause problems. Check to see that the magnets are properly grounded to a clean, bare metal surface free of corrosion. A bad ground would not allow the circuit to be complete and lead to the brakes not performing like they should.

I also recommend checking the trailer side connector ground and the vehicle side connector ground.

Another possibility is that the brakes are out of adjustment. You want to adjust the assemblies so that there is a light drag when the wheel is turned. To see how this is done check out the video I attached. Fast forward to the 4:30 mark.

I also attached an FAQ article on troubleshooting brake magnets.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Flanagan

7/10/2020

I too have lost my trailer brakes I greased the ball hitch recently Could this be the problem ? Wiring all checks out

Reply

Chris R.

7/14/2020

I wouldn't think greasing the hitch ball would have any effect on the trailer brakes. I would start by testing the 7-Way connector on the tow vehicle to see if you get power at the brake output pin when pulling the manual override on your brake controller. We need to pin down which side the issue is actually on - the vehicle or the trailer. Let me know what you find and we'll go from there.

Reply

Robby

6/6/2020

I been having problem with a brand new set of brakes . They are adjusted all the way up and will not stop trailer . I have battery voltage at the new magnet assembly . All wiring is new and extra good ground is has been added . The only thing that is not new is the drums . The drum were not scored and smooth . Could the new magnet brake assembles not expanding enough for the old drums ?

Reply

Jason H.

4/27/2020

we just installed new brake assemblies on all four corners of a 20 flatbed trailer. All wiring and contacts are good. No grease. Nothing. When we run the trailer gain up to 10, the trailer BARELY holds the 5.7L gas pickup truck. We run across gravel and slam the controller on at 10 and the wheels refuse to lock. What could be wrong ?????

Reply

Chris R.

4/29/2020

Are the new brake assemblies self-adjusting units, by chance? If so - there is a period of "adjustment" that still needs to take place after they're installed. This really just consists of driving around an empty parking lot and braking at various speeds. Each braking episode will adjust them further towards ideal operation. If they're manual adjustment assemblies, make sure they're properly adjusted according to the video Jameson mentioned above. If this is all good then there could be an issue with the brake controller or wiring on the truck - let me know what you find and we can dive into that if needed.

Reply

Answer 1

Since the trailer was off of the ground it would not take much voltage to stop the wheels from spinning so they may be getting power but they may not be getting enough power due to a short or wiring issue. But 9 times out of 10 weak trailer brakes…

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Answer 2

There are a number of reasons why the brakes on your trailer may not be working. Lets start with the easiest things to check. First, check the vehicle and trailer connectors for corrosion. This can cause a short inside the connector and the brake…

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Answer 3

Yes, electric brake assemblies will work in reverse. The brake controller in your tow vehicle would still activate in reverse as long as the brakes are applied. The actuating arm of the Dexter assemblies part #23-27 will apply the brakes when pushed…

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Answer 4

I would check the magnets for wear before going on to test them with a meter. If the magnets show abnormal wear or if you can see the windings beginning to show through the friction surface of the magnet then they will need to be replaced. To further…

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Answer 5

I currently have three diffrent self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes which are attached for you below. eTrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #AKEBRK-35-SA (3,500 Axles) Dexter…

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Answer 6

On each individual electric brake magnet the amperage draw would be 3.0 to 3.2 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 7-inch brake magnets and 3.2 to 4.0 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 10 and 12-inch brake magnets. The max amperage draw for the brake magnets…

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Answer 7

The break away system on a trailer would typically have its own battery, like that shown with part #20400. The reason that pulling your break away switch does not actuate your brakes is that it is not wired correctly. The break away switch should be…

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Answer 8

It does sound like your Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195 has given you some diagnostic information that reveals you may have bad brake magnets. The magnets are bad if you have one braking axle based on the 9 amps recorded, but if you have two or three…

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Answer 9

I went ahead and double checked to be sure, and yes the 7-Piece Installation Set for Bearings, Races, and Seals #PTW83020 you mention will work with your Timken bearings, races, and seals. If you don't have grease yet, you're also going to…

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Answer 10

How old is the brake controller? Does it still seem to be working properly? Overheating brake controllers aren't common but it would most likely indicate a short. I can help you troubleshoot the controller though. Testing the brake controller is…

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Answer 11

Below is the general process for bleeding an electric over hydraulic brake actuator like #K71-650. Fill reservoir with NEW brake fluid. Never re-use brake fluid that has been salvaged or removed from another system. Remove the key from the breakaway…

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Answer 12

It sounds like you either have bad grounds for the brake assemblies or you are using too small of gauge for the brake assemblies themselves. The brake output circuit should be 10 gauge wire like the part #10-1-1 which is sold by the foot. Make sure…

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Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Brakes That Won't Lock Up with Override Lever of Controller Slid

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