Auxiliary Lights

1

Green

Tail Lights

2

Red

Left Turn/Brakes

3

White

Ground

4

Black

+12 V

5

Brown

Right Turn/Brakes

6

Blue

Trailer Brakes

It is preferred to install a separate breakaway battery (figure 2) but a
trailer auxiliary battery in good condition and fully charged can be used.
No battery is supplied with standard kits.

In some cases, the BrakeRite may not build pressure right out of
the box. During the first activation it may be necessary to place
the unit temporary on its back to bleed the air out of the unit. This
is only required during the first time it is installed. See example
orientation below. Once the unit builds pressure return it to its
normal upright orientation.

Figure 5: Removing Air from BrakeRite Unit

Upright
Installation
Position

After BrakeRite unit has been mounted, brake lines installed, and the
electrical connection is completed, system start-up can begin. Remove
one filler cap and fill the reservoir to within 3/8” of filler cap opening.
(Either cap can be used as both fill the same reservoir) Fill the reservoir
with new brake fluid. Never mix grades of DOT brake fluid. Use caution
when removing the reservoir cap to prevent the admission of any
contaminants into the fluid reservoir.

Air Bleed
Position

2021.01 | 6

BRAKERITE SERVICE MANUAL

Electric Hydraulic Brake Actuation Systems

Operation
When coupling a trailer to the tow vehicle always assure that they are
coupled in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. All
devices and procedures need to conform to applicable state and federal
regulations. After units are properly coupled, connect the electrical plug.
Assure that safety cable from the breakaway switch on the trailer is
connected to the tow vehicle.
Most in-cab controllers have some type of indicator showing electrical
connections are adequate. Consult in-cab controller manufacturer’s
operator manual for proper checking and setting procedures. Before
moving the vehicle, depress the tow vehicle brake pedal. The BrakeRite
unit should start (audibly hear unit). Release the tow vehicle brake
pedal and activate the BrakeRite unit by operating a manual override on
the in-cab controller. Again, the unit will be heard running. With manual
override, a tone change will occur as pressure builds relative to the
activation amount initiated from the override switch. Do not attempt to
move the unit or trailer until the brake system performs properly in the
described tests above.
After the system responds to tests previously described, proceed with
moving the vehicle. Establish a feel for the brake system and calibrate
brake response based upon instructions given in the brake controller
manual. This adjustment should be performed in a parking lot or low
traffic area. Do not operate in high traffic areas until familiarized with
the feel and performance of the brake system. Take time to be familiar
with how the unit feels, performance, and proper operation and setting
selections of the brake controller.
Trailer brakes are meant to stop the trailer while being towed, but not
stop both the tow vehicle and trailer. There are two basic types of In-Cab
Electronic Brake Controllers, Inertia and Time Controlled. Inertia based
controllers create a small bias braking force when activated and modulate
braking forces of the trailer relative to the braking reaction created by the
tow vehicle, offering the most desirable braking effect. Time based brake
controllers are NOT recommended for this unit due to the lack of smooth
braking and speed sensitivity.
Manual override is required by law and should be fully understood for
proper and safe operation. This allows trailer brakes to be activated
without depressing the tow vehicles brake pedal.

Service and Maintenance
Periodic inspection of electrical connectors, wiring, brake lines, and hose
for the entire brake system to ensure no abraded or bare wires, damaged
steel lines, or damaged hoses exist. During inspection assure there are no
loose or hanging objects that might drag or catch on during transport.
EVERY time trailer is coupled to a tow vehicle, check the following items:

is discharged in cold environments, freezing battery, damage
may have occurred to battery.
ƒ Inspect coupler and safety chains to assure they are fully
functional and for wear or damage. All equipment must meet
manufacturer’s specifications and all applicable laws.
Units are shipped with tamper proof seals between cover and casting, if
broken the warranty is void.

Troubleshooting
Experience has shown that the majority of problems with BrakeRite units
are results of INCORRECT or FAILED WIRING. If problems arise, consult
the applicable wiring diagram and inspect all wiring and terminations.
A bench test can be performed as using the following procedure:.
ƒ Connect white wire to negative (-) battery post
ƒ Connect black wire to positive (+) battery post
ƒ Touch the blue wire to positive (+) battery post without touching
black wire. (If the blue wire touches the black wire, the BrakeRite
will not work).
ƒ The BrakeRite should turn on at full power when the blue wire
makes contact with the positive (+) battery post. If the BrakeRite
powers on, the problem is not with the BrakeRite unit; wiring and
other components should be checked for problems.

ISSUE
Indicator on In-Cab Controller
shows no connection between
tow vehicle and trailer
Poor response time

Inadequate or excessive trailer
braking
BrakeRite unit runs but does not
build pressure
BrakeRite unit does not run when
breakaway is pulled
BrakeRite unit does not run
when in-cab manual override is
activated

SOLUTION
Inspect plug and wiring for open
circuit. Consult applicable wiring
diagram for proper connections.
Check and add brake fluid as
required. Bleed brake lines and
devices. Check input for adequate
Charge (12VDC).
Adjust gain control on In-Cab
Controller
Assure proper brake fluid level,
add fluid and bleed system as
required. See figure 5.
Check breakaway battery charge
and assure wires are properly
connected
Verify and connect wire
connections in entire electrical
circuit.

ƒ Check fluid level in reservoir. Fluid level must be maintained
within 3/8” below filler opening. If brake fluid is required, add
only new, clean brake fluid. Use caution when removing reservoir
cap to prevent admission of any contaminants into fluid
reservoir.
ƒ Check breakaway battery is charged and breakaway system
works. Test by pulling cable on breakaway switch. If vehicle
has been parked for long periods, breakaway battery may be
discharged. If this situation occurs, charge battery per trailer
manufacturer’s recommendations prior to using trailer. If battery

BRAKERITE SERVICE MANUAL
Electric Hydraulic Brake Actuation Systems

2021.01 | 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

2021.01 | 8

BRAKERITE SERVICE MANUAL

Electric Hydraulic Brake Actuation Systems

Mounting Template

Notes

2021.01 | 10

BRAKERITE SERVICE MANUAL

Electric Hydraulic Brake Actuation Systems

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.

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

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

2021.01

© 2017-2021 Dexter Axle Company. LIT-018-00