Installing Dexter 12" Nev-R-Adjust Brake, Hubs, and Wheels.

After we completed installing our Timbren Axle-less Suspension System, it was time to move on to adding our electric brakes. For these, we opted for the Dexter 12″ Nev-R-Adjust. While there are many options out there, these are what are most recommended for our type of application.

Having never installed electric trailer brakes, this was a pretty straight forward and relatively easy process, with the exception of one thing. When you are installing a brake assembly on the Timbren Axle-less Suspension, you need to be aware that the mounting nuts and lock washers are not provided. At first, I found this annoying, but after thinking about it I assume Timbren does this because of the varying assembly’s and configurations.

Never the less, you will need to visit your local hardware store and pick up 10 (five for each side) 3/8″ lock washers and 10 3/8″ UNF nuts. If you are not familiar with UNF, it stands for Unified Fine. That means, the threads on the bolts on the Timbren axle are fine thread and a standard 3/8″ nut is not going to work.

So how do tell the difference? You need to look for 3/8 – 24. A common size for instance is 3/8 – 16 or even 3/8 – 20. Those will not work. The “- #” is important and references the thread, 24 being a fine thread.

When you mount your electric trailer brake you need to also make sure the magnet (oval shaped apparatus) is at the bottom and that you mount the left and right hand side accordingly – the Dexter 12″ Nev-R-Adjusts were labeled, and I assume most other options are as well.

Once you get the brake on and add the lock washers and 3/8″ UNF nuts, be sure and tighten them down to the specified torque rating.

With the brakes on, it’s time to move to adding the hub/drum assembly. Having also never done this before, this was slightly more intimating as this process involves packing two bearings with grease. For this process, you are going to need a few tools: