After Replacing Brake Magnets Trailer Brakes Are Weak

Question:

i have a factory installed break controller in my 2012 ram 3500 i pull my 40foot delta gooseneck flatbed with electric breaks on 12,000lbs dexter axles i just had new seals and magnets put on about 6 months ago they were working good until recent i push the break button and it reads 99 when i adjust it up to 10 and it does not stop the trailer tires i have connected the truck to my other trailer and did the same test and it worked great so i am confident that it is in the trailer i hear the hum from the breaks when applied but they do not stop the tires any advise or suggestions on what is causing this issue thank you

asked by: Stephen R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Nine times out of ten, the issue is that the brakes need to be adjusted. You will need to adjust the brakes out to where you can hear a slight but constant drag of the pads on the drums.

If the brakes are properly adjusted then it could be that the new magnets are not the right size for the brake assemblies or the assemblies themselves are not rated high enough for the 12K axles. For 12K Dexter axles you should be using # 23-442 for the left side and # 23-443 for the right side.

Check the wiring to the magnets as well. Make sure the splices are clean with no exposed or pinched wires. Make sure the grounds are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

You will also want to make sure that the trailer connector is clean and free of corrosion inside and out.

expert reply by: Michael H