switch on and use manual slide on the brake controller.

9.

Watch the free end of the bleeder hose for air bubbles escaping
into the clear container. Continue to bleed the wheel cylinder/
caliper until the fluid becomes clear and free of bubbles.

CAUTION
Do not run the Dexter DX Series brake actuator without adequate
brake fluid in the reservoir as it may damage the unit and void the
warranty. Check all bleeder screws to ensure that they are securely
closed and do not leak.
10. Tighten the bleeder screw, turn off the Dexter DX Series brake
actuator, and remove plastic tubing from the bleeder screw.
Bleeding of the wheel cylinder/caliper is now complete.
11. Refill the Dexter DX Series brake actuator with brake fluid.
12. Continue the above process (steps 5 through 11) on the next
farthest brake away from the actuator.
13. Repeat these steps until all the brakes have been bled.
14. New trailers with disc brakes should be bled at least twice.
Any air in the brake system will cause brake delay with an E/H
brake actuation system.

CAUTION
Ensure no debris enters the fluid reservoir tank while the cap is
removed. Failure to do so may have an effect on product life.

2020.10 | 5

Sleep Mode
DX Series E/H Actuator will automatically go into sleep mode after
5 hours of not receiving input from blue (brake controller) or yellow
(breakaway switch) wire to conserve power consumption on trailer
battery. Sleep mode timer will reset if power/ground is removed. The DX
Series E/H Actuator will wake up from this sleep mode state on the first
brake request signal from the Tow vehicle’s brake controller (blue wire)
or when the breakaway switch pin has been pulled (yellow wire).
Disconnect battery from DX Series E/H Actuator if trailer is going to be
stored for longer than one month.

Electric Controller Unit Testing/Adjusting
1.

Adjust the gain setting on the electric brake controller to a mid
range setting.

2.

Drive vehicle at 10 to 15 m.p.h.

3.

Apply the brakes. If braking is too severe, adjust the gain
setting down to decrease pressure and retest. If braking is
inadequate, increase the gain setting on the electric brake
controller and retest.

4.

Repeat this process until the brakes respond appropriately.

!

CAUTION

The appropriate pressure setting will vary depending on the weight
of the load being transported on the trailer, weather conditions
and road conditions. The “Testing and Adjustment of Electronic
Controller Unit” procedure should be repeated each time the
trailer is used. Failure to properly adjust the Dexter DX Series brake
actuator may result in poor brake performance and could result in
serious or fatal injuries and/or property damage.

2020.10 | 6

DX SERIES SERVICE MANUAL

ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS

Troubleshooting Guide
Unit will not run or brakes are slow to respond. To determine if the unit
is functioning properly, perform the checks outlined below
1.

Verify that the trailer and tow vehicle are wired according to the
electrical schematic shown in “Electrical Requirements”.

2.

Re-bleed the trailer brakes. Any air in the trailer brake system
causes brake delay.

3.

If the trailer is equipped with drum brakes, re-adjust the drum
brakes to the trailer manufacturer’s recommended running
clearance.

4.

Trailer wiring that is too small can cause slow response (see
section on Electrical Installation Requirements).

5.

Slow response can be caused by brake line restrictions. The
trailer brake lines must be at least 3/16” in diameter. Steel
tubing must be used as much as possible. Using too much
flexible hose may cause slow brake response.

6.

7.

Check to see if the white ground wire runs directly to the
tow vehicle ground. IT MUST NOT BE GROUNDED TO THE
TRAILER ONLY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THIS GROUND WIRE
RUNS DIRECTLY TO THE TOW VEHICLE’S BATTERY GROUND. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
Detach all wires from the Dexter DX Series brake actuator
leaving the blue, black, white, and yellow wires loose. It is
important that the unit is disconnected from any other wires
going to the towing vehicle or breakaway switch and breakaway
battery. Failure to do so may result in a faulty test.

8.

Using a 12 volt battery, connect the white wire to the negative
(-) terminal of the battery.

9.

Connect the black wire to the positive (+) terminal of the
battery and the DX Series brake actuator will click once. The
motor should not run. If the motor runs, the DX Series brake
actuator may be defective.

10. Leave the white wire connected to the negative (-) terminal of
the battery.

Using the breakaway system to troubleshoot a unit that is not
operating correctly
1. With a fully charged breakaway battery and trailer plug
disconnected, pull the breakaway switch on the trailer.
a. If the unit runs and builds pressure, the breakaway system is
functioning properly.
b. If the unit runs and builds pressure when the breakaway
switch is pulled but will not function under normal operating
conditions, the problem most likely is a defective electric
brake controller or defective wiring between the tow vehicle
and Dexter DX Series brake actuator.
c. If the unit runs but will not build pressure when the
breakaway switch is pulled, the Dexter DX Series brake
actuator may be malfunctioning.
d. If the unit does not run, measure the DC voltage between the
white wire and the yellow wire. If the voltage is less than 12
volts, either the breakaway switch or the breakaway wiring is
defective.
2. After completing the above steps, reset the breakaway switch
and reconnect the trailer plug.
Trailer brakes too aggressive
1. Reduce the gain setting on the electric brake controller.
2. Check brake adjustment.
Trailer brakes not aggressive enough
1. Increase the gain setting on the electric brake controller.
2. Check brake adjustment.

Aftermarket Kits
Description

Kit Number

DX Series brake actuator Fill Cap & Gasket

K71-685-00

DX Series Brake Actuator Gaskets

K71-688-00

DX Series Compatibility Adapter

K58-036-00

11. Connect the blue and black wires together to the positive (+)
terminal of the battery.
12. The motor should run and the unit should pressurize. If this
does not occur, the unit may be defective.
13. Leave the white wire connected to the negative (-) terminal of
the battery.
14. Connect only the yellow wire to the positive (+) terminal of the
battery.
15. The motor should run and the unit should pressurize. If this
does not occur, the unit may be defective.
16. If the unit checks OK, reconnect the wires leading to the trailer
plug and repeat steps 8 through 14 at the trailer plug. If you do
not get the same results as before, the problem is in the trailer
wiring or the electronic brake controller.

DX SERIES SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS

2020.10 | 7

Limited Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY

What Products Are Covered

All Dexter® Axle Company (“Dexter”) trailer axles, suspensions, and brake
control systems manufactured on or after September 1, 2016, excluding
Dexter 6000 series Manufactured Housing Axles. Additional exclusions
include the following brands: Silent Drive by Dexter, Kodiak, Dexter’s Door
and Ventilation Products, and Heavy Duty Steering and Lift Axles, which are
covered by separate warranties specific to those products.

Limited 1 Year Warranty

Grease & oil seals (FOR ALL PRODUCTS), couplers, and Dexter DX6.6
Surge Actuator have a one (1) year limited warranty to the original
purchaser from the date of original retail purchase.

Limited 2 Year Warranty

Dexter warrants to the original purchaser that its electric over hydraulic
actuators (DX Series and BrakeRite®), Airflex® air supply components, and
Tow Assist™ electronic components shall be free from defects in material
and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of original
retail purchase.

Limited 5 Year Warranty

Dexter warrants to the original purchaser that its sprung axles, sprung
suspension systems, Versa~Flex™ axles, Eliminator™ axles, hydraulic
surge actuators (except Dexter DX6.6 Surge Actuator), and Dexter Genuine
Replacement Parts shall be free from defects in material and workmanship
for a period of five (5) years. The warranty period shall begin from the date
of original retail purchase.

Limited 6 Year Warranty

Dexter warrants to the original purchaser that its Vortex™ and Vault® high
performance lubrication systems shall be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of six (6) years from the date of original retail
purchase.

Limited 7 Year Warranty
Dexter warrants to the original purchaser that its Predator Series® electric
brake controllers shall be free from defects in material and workmanship
for a period of seven (7) years from the date of original retail purchase.

Limited 10 Year Warranty

Dexter warrants to the original purchaser that the suspension components
of its Torflex® axles shall be free from defects in material and workmanship
for a period of ten (10) years from the date of original retail purchase.

Exclusive Remedy

Dexter will, at its option, repair or replace the affected components of
any defective axle, repair or replace the entire defective axle, or refund
the lesser of the original purchase price and the then-current list price of
the axle or components. In all cases, a reasonable time period must be
allowed for warranty repairs to be completed. Allowance will only be made
for installation costs specifically approved by Dexter.

What You Must Do

In order to make a claim under these warranties:
1. You must be the original purchaser of the trailer and/or Dexter
Genuine Replacement Parts.
2. You must promptly notify Dexter after detection of any defect, but in
any case within the applicable warranty period of such defect, and
provide us with the axle or applicable component serial number
and any substantiation of such defect which may include, but is not
limited to, the return of part(s) that we may reasonably request.
3. The axles, suspensions and components must have been installed
and maintained in accordance with good industry practice and

any specific Dexter recommendations, including those specified in
Dexter’s current manuals.

Exclusions

These warranties do not extend to and do not cover defects caused by:
1. The connecting of brake wiring to the trailer wiring or trailer wiring to
the towing vehicle wiring.
2. The attachment of the running gear to the frame.
3. Parts not supplied by Dexter.
4. Any damage whatsoever caused by or related to any alteration of the
axle including welding supplemental brackets to the axle.
5. Use of an axle on a unit other than the unit to which it was originally
mounted.
6. Normal wear and tear.
7. Improper alignment.
8. Improper installation.
9. Unreasonable use (including trailer overloading or improper loading
and failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance as
specified in Dexter’s current manuals including required maintenance
after “Prolonged Storage”).
10. Improper torque values and torqueing of wheel nuts. (The proper
torqueing procedure and torque values are contained in Dexter’s
current manuals).
11. Improper or lack of maintenance.
12. Cosmetic finish or corrosion.

Limitations

1. In all cases, Dexter reserves the right to fully satisfy its
obligations under the Limited Warranties by refunding the lesser of
the original purchase price and the then-current list price of the
defective axle (or, if the axle has been discontinued, of the most
nearly comparable current product).
2. Dexter reserves the right to furnish for any substitute replacement
component or product in the event an axle or any component of the
axle is discontinued or is otherwise unavailable.
3. These warranties are nontransferable.

General

THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL OR IMPLIED, IN FACT
OR IN LAW (INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGMENT OR OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE).
These warranties give you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
DEXTER HEREBY EXCLUDES INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF TIME,
INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF USE, TOWING FEES, TELEPHONE CALLS,
COST OF MEALS OR LODGING, FOR ANY BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, or the exclusion or limitation if incidental or consequential damages,
so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
Inquiries regarding these warranties should be sent to:
Dexter Axle Company
P.O. Box 250
Elkhart, IN 46515
Note: Current Dexter manuals can be found at www.dexteraxle.com.

2900 Industrial Parkway East • Elkhart, IN 46516 • Phone: (574) 295-7888 • Fax: (574) 295-8666
© 1995-2020 Dexter Axle Company. LIT-400-00 Rev. P | 2020.06

2020.10 | 8

DX SERIES SERVICE MANUAL

ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS

Locations

Genuine Dexter axles and components are available nationwide from
our plant locations listed below or through our network of distributors.
Check our website for the distributor nearest you.

Plant 51

Plant 54
Dexter Headquarters
Plants 12, 13, 39, 61

Plants 15, 62

Plant 24

Plant 25
Plants 21, 23

Dexter - Headquarters

2900 Industrial Parkway East  Elkhart, Indiana 46516
Phone: 574-295-7888  Fax: 574-295-8666
www.dexteraxle.com
Dexter - Plant 12

Dexter - Plant 13

Dexter - Plant 15

Dexter - Plant 21

Dexter - Plant 23

301 West Pearl Street
Fremont, Indiana 46737
Phone: 260-495-5100
Fax: 260-495-1701

500 South 7th Street
Albion, Indiana 46701
Phone: 260-636-2195
Fax: 260-636-3030

500 Southeast 27th Street
El Reno, Oklahoma 73036
Phone: 405-262-6700
Fax: 405-262-9089

199 Perimeter Road
Monticello, Georgia 31064
Phone: 706-468-6495
Fax: 706-468-2966

5600 Bucknell Drive SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30336
Phone: 404-477-6899
Fax: 470-443-1715

Dexter - Plant 24

Dexter - Plant 25

Dexter - Plant 39

Dexter - Plant 51

135 Sunshine Lane
San Marcos, California 92069
Phone: 760-744-1610
Fax: 760-744-1616

1041 Baxter Lane
Winchester, Tennessee 37398
Phone: 931-967-5101
Fax: 877-457-9861

902 South Division Street
Bristol, Indiana 46507
Phone: 574-848-4491
Fax: 574-848-4825

347 King Street West
Ingersoll, Ontario N5C 2K9
Phone: 226-242-5291
Fax: 226-444-0474

Silent Drive by Dexter Plant 54

Dexter - Plant 61

Dexter - Plant 62

21611 Protecta Drive
Elkhart, Indiana 46516
Phone: 574-294-6651
Fax: 574-295-6626

301 North Kennedy Street
Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801
Phone: 405-273-9315
Fax: 405-273-1054

1300 Arizona Place SW
Orange City, Iowa 51041
Phone: 712-737-4865
Fax: 712-737-2865

NO PART OF THIS MANUAL MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT DEXTER’S PERMISSION. ALL PART NUMBERS,
DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THIS MANUAL ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

DX SERIES SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS

2020.10 | 9

www.dexteraxle.com
2900 Industrial Parkway East - Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone: 574-295-7888 - Fax: 574-295-8666

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

2020.XX

© 1990 - 2020 Dexter Company. LIT-020-00