Replacing Warner 12 Inch Electric Brakes & 6 Bolt Mounting Flange

Question:

Since no 12 x 2 Warner electric brake parts are available I removed the Warner electric backing plate assembly from my 1960 Yellowstone travel trailer and it has a 6 bolt pattern for attaching the plate assembly. The lug pattern on the drum is 5 x 5 1/2. Does Dexter offer a replacement for this. Is the drum still useable and if so, do I need to keep the magnet plate that is mounted on the inside of the drum? Thanks!

asked by: Michael E

Expert Reply:

So you'd have to change out everything, including the brake mounting flange, as the 6-bolt is simply not used anymore. There isn't a direct replacement from Dexter, so you'd need a 5-bolt brake mounting flange welded on (assuming you have a 3" diameter axle, which you should though you'll want to verify), the brakes, and a new hub and drum. The flange and brakes are the following:

- Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle # 4-44-1

- Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - 6,000 lbs # 23-105-106
or
- Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - 7,000 lbs # 23-180-181

- Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12" Brake Assemblies # BRKH12

Both the 6k and 7k brakes are 12" x 2" but the right one will depend on the capacity you need. As for the hub and drum, to get the right one you'd need to know the bearings your current hub has. You will need to take apart your current hub assembly and look at the bearings themselves; wipe away the grease and you should be able to see the part number stamped directly on them.

If you let me know what they are I can see if there is a good replacement for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Andrew K.

4/25/2025

Kyle, It sounds like I have the similar type axles on my double axle trailer. I have a 3” square axle not round. Also, the axle drum has a “friction” disc mounted inside to catch the electric disc on the hub. My question is if I do retrofit the new 12” brakes to my square axle, can I use the existing 5 x 5.5 drum or do I need new ones? I also nave the bearing numbers for replacement.