surge brake coupler clunk question....

[piratedude]

i pull a 7000lb boat on a new triaxel alum trailer and when i pull away from a stop the coupler moves @ 3" and goes "clunk". It really bothers me as it shakes the whole truck. Is this normal? The dealer says this is normal. I've had other trailers w/ surge brakes and never clunked before.

[Bond-o]

Sounds like your system has Air in it,+ is Over-traveling...........Mine doesn't Travel more than an Inch.......You might want to Bleed the system,+ See if it's Air bound.......

[piratedude]

any idea on how to bleed? it has kodiak disc brakes..

[Lou C]

Who is the manufacturer of the actuator? Often they will have a website with instructions on how to bleed the brakes. The basic procedure is to get a one man brake bleeder kit (Lisle makes one you can buy in auto parts stores) and start with filling the master cylinder with fluid. Follow the instructions that come with the bleeder kit. You fill the little container with brake fluid, and put the rubber connector on the bleeder valve on the caliper. Open the bleeder valve, and then pump the actuator (there may be a slot in the cover of the actuator,that you can put a screwdriver in to pump it, or if not use the drawbar and the ball from your trailer to pump it). Look to see if there are air bubbles in the line from the bleeder valve to the container. Keep checking the master cylinder to make sure it is still full. Repeat with the other caliper, until there are no bubbles. Close the bleeder valve before removing the line to the container to keep out air. I did mine this summer in about 10 min (drum brakes). With discs, the only things that can cause that are air in the system, or maybe a problem with the actuator or the mounting of the calipers. I don't think that much clunking is normal, with my Tie Down model 66 there is really no clunk to speak of.

[piratedude]

it is a titan model 20 w/ kodiak disc brakes.

[Bond-o]

Well,I'm Sure it's been posted here before,+ a Search will bring it up,But,The Short story is;Make Sure the reservoir is Full...And Keep It FULL......Hook the trailer to the tow unit(truck)........Block the Wheels......Open the Bleed Screws on the calipers.......Back the truck up 3"s......Close the Bleed Screws.....Roll the truck Ahead 3"s......Open the Bleed Screws....Back-up 3"s.....Etc.....Etc.....Good Luck......

[NYMINUTE]

I put my ball/insert into the coupler, lock it, and lift up, and release. Easy enough for wifey to lift, while I operate the bleeders.