Brake replacement Dexter 4400 axles

[klutchdust]

Going to do both axles this winter. Looking at the choices online my head is about to explode. I prefer US made. Dexter seems to be the highest priced.
Any brands I may consider or avoid. Without even pulling a wheel my guess is the hub/drum assembly may need replacing also. I will stick with the manual adjusting. Need to get under there and look around anyway.
2015 25ULA WNP

Seeing a lot of "will not work on Dexter axles".

 

[TitanMike]

Going to do both axles this winter. Looking at the choices online my head is about to explode. I prefer US made. Dexter seems to be the highest priced.
Any brands I may consider or avoid. Without even pulling a wheel my guess is the hub/drum assembly may need replacing also. I will stick with the manual adjusting. Need to get under there and look around anyway.
2015 25ULA WNP

Seeing a lot of "will not work on Dexter axles".

There's a reason the Dexter brake replacements are more expensive. They aren't cheap Chinese brakes.

Especially the Nev-R-adjust ones. Cheap brake parts are only inexpensive until you find yourself replacing them too soon or you can't stop in an emergency.

 

[klutchdust]

There's a reason the Dexter brake replacements are more expensive. They aren't cheap Chinese brakes.

Especially the Nev-R-adjust ones. Cheap brake parts are only inexpensive until you find yourself replacing them too soon or you can't stop in an emergency.

Huh, not the response I was hoping for. More of a lecture it seems. Anyway I was thinking maybe someone could steer me in the direction of US made products. Never said I wanted cheap, Stated Dexters were most highest priced as a fact.
As a side note, I wrenched on heavy equipment for a living and top fuel dragsters and funny cars as a hobby, just not familiar with Rv's.

 

[jimmarako]

A word of caution when replacing the Dexter stuff. I have 4K axles with the 10" x2.25" brakes. But when you search 99% of the 10"x2.25" brakes you find will be for the 3K axles. The 3K brakes are like $190 for a left right pair. The 4K parts are $190 each.

I bought Dexter because I wasn't sure any other brand was worth the few $$ saved.

Jim M.

 

[TitanMike]

A word of caution when replacing the Dexter stuff. I have 4K axles with the 10" x2.25" brakes. But when you search 99% of the 10"x2.25" brakes you find will be for the 3K axles. The 3K brakes are like $190 for a left right pair. The 4K parts are $190 each.

I bought Dexter because I wasn't sure any other brand was worth the few $$ saved.

Jim M.

And if one compares a picture of Dexter electric brake assemblies side by side with pics of cheaper assemblies, they'll note differences in hardware, especially the aftermarket self adjusters.

You're right on the mark about the few $$ saved.

 

[klutchdust]

A word of caution when replacing the Dexter stuff. I have 4K axles with the 10" x2.25" brakes. But when you search 99% of the 10"x2.25" brakes you find will be for the 3K axles. The 3K brakes are like $190 for a left right pair. The 4K parts are $190 each.

I bought Dexter because I wasn't sure any other brand was worth the few $$ saved.

Jim M.

I was looking on a dexter parts website and they show brakes with backing plates but the same number for 3000 to 6000 capacity axles.
Time for a phone conversation....

 

[jimmarako]

I was looking on a dexter parts website and they show brakes with backing plates but the same number for 3000 to 6000 capacity axles.
Time for a phone conversation....

They look identical, but the 4 bolts on the back are slightly different so can't interchange. The 4400 are also heavier. If you can find the Dexter tag on the axle and send it to them they will tell you the brake kit, bearing kit, etc..

Here are the wrong ones (3500) and then right ones (4400) I bought.

https://www.southwestwheel.com/p-63...nd-for-3500-lbs-trailer-axles-023-468-00.aspx

https://www.southwestwheel.com/p-63...ter-trailer-axle-nev-r-adjust-k23-478-00.aspx