replacing brakes the whole system.

mmhyson

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2013
Messages
61
hi Guys. I have stopped keeping my boat at the marina and have started towing it to locations. the brakes and housing were removed from the previous owner about 5 years ago,but towing twice a year it didn't bother me not having brakes. I unscrewed the tongue reservior and it looks like its full of rust. what are my best options for getting these brakes to work, I fell unsafe towing especially with my family in the truck. the trailer is a 1998 venture vrt4000 trailer. i tow a 23 ft donzi w/ cc. is there a way to clean the resevior? any points in the right direction will be appreciated. thanks Mike h
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,585
I am sure you can clean the rust out of the reservoir, but with the master cylinder piston sitting empty, I'm betting it will never work without a total rebuild at the very least. So I see you buying everything new again if you want to go back to a workable brake system. I wouldn't trust anything less myself... JMHO!
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
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Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Yep figure on replacing everything ... Master, wheel assy's or calipers, lines...

Faced with the same issue I chose electric brakes as they were MUCH cheaper and I actually prefer then to surge....

That may or may not be your cup of tea tho.
 

mmhyson

Seaman
Joined
May 7, 2013
Messages
61
problem i have is the brakes aren't there any more. how do i find what size i need?
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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If your in fresh water you can go with drums, with salt water, go with discs. Assume $175-$200 for actuator and$250-325 for disc brake setup.

I would get a new master cylinder for your current actuator, the shop for a deal on the brakes/hubs
 

smokeonthewater

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Electric brakes are not affected by water BUT if you are in salt drum be they electric or hydro can be problematic to say the least.
 

superbenk

Commander
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Oct 27, 2008
Messages
2,022
I put a whole kit on a trailer from championtrailers.com. It was a Kodiak surge/disc system & ran me ~$600 complete. If you don't have the mounting bracket welded to the axle anymore (or ever) you may need to consider replacing the axle too (~$200-$500).
 

mmhyson

Seaman
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May 7, 2013
Messages
61
maybe ill do a step by step thread when i do this . the brake lines should be ok if i blow them out right?
 

NYBo

Admiral
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Oct 23, 2008
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7,107
maybe ill do a step by step thread when i do this . the brake lines should be ok if i blow them out right?

I wouldn't count on it. Just replace them. They're cheaper enough.
 
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Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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47,296
I redid all my brake lines with copper-nickle brake lines. Under $75 for 50' of line and 15 brass tube nuts
 

smokeonthewater

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Dec 3, 2009
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9,838
Eh for mine I just plug in the electric n go... ;-)

The bleeding process will depend on the coupler/ master cylinder installed.

With any luck there will be instructions on the manufacturer's website...

I have a vacuum bleeder from h/f... Not a hand pump but actually hooks to an air compressor and makes vacuum as long as you hold the trigger.... Also comes with a bottle that keeps the master topped off automatically. It works GREAT and IIRC cost me about $20.
 

superbenk

Commander
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Oct 27, 2008
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2,022
any tips on bleeding the line once eveerything is hooked up?


I've done it now with a helper pushing on the tongue while I dunked the bleeder hose in a container of brake fluid as well as doing it with the vacuum (Mity Vac) 1-person bleeder. Both options work. I've heard/read that using a positive pressure 1-person bleeder is even better (pressurizes the master cylinder while you dunk the bleeder hose from the caliper in a container of fluid to bleed). Given the complexity of coordinating 2 people and the poor seals I had trouble with on the 1-person vacuum setup, I'll probably consider a pressurized 1-person bleeder kit in the future.
 

SilverSS07

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
266
I prefer electric brakes also but there's a possibility I'll be dunking mine in salt water sometimes so I just ordered the surge brake kit. I'll send you a PM.
 
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