ez loader surge brakes

[skeeter185]

This is my first time on here so hello to all. I recently purchased a skeeter zx185. It rides on a single axle ez loader trailer. The problem I'm having is that one of my wheels is getting hot after riding 10 or so miles. The wheel cylinders do not seem to be going back in after the brake is released. However, if I open the valve to bleed them they go in like they should. I was wondering what would cause the fluid not to be sent back to the master cylinder. Any help and suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

Coupler linkage is bent or binding so the master cylinder does not retract after braking. Could be a bad master cylinder as well.

 

[skeeter185]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

Could it be the mc or the coupler if it is only happening on one side?

 

[Zackman]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

The seals on the brake pistons on each wheel will corrode over time.

It may be time to do a brake job (usually every 3 or so years), the easiest way I found is to replace the whole brake assemblies, repack the bearing, replace the bearing seals, and brake actuator assembly.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

I don't think the problem is in the wheel cylinders or anything related to them. If fluid is not able to get back to the master cylinder the wheel cylinders cannot release. When the bleeder screws are opened the system pressure relaxes and they then release normally. That says the problem is upstream. The only thing upstream is the master cylinder.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

The master cylinder has a residual valve that is designed to hold a small amount of pressure in the lines. This valve is probably faulty and holding all the pressure. It might be time for a new master cylinder but I would do this first...disconnect the line from the output of the master cylinder and pump it so that you flush some fluid through it. You may flush out what ever is clogged in the valve. You will have to bleed the brkaes after doing this.

If this master cylinder has a few years on it already, I would just replace it.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

If it's only happening on one side I don't think it would be the master clyinder.

Is the brake line steel with rubber hoses to each wheel? If so it could be that the hose on that side is bad.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

If it's only happening on one side I don't think it would be the master clyinder.

Is the brake line steel with rubber hoses to each wheel? If so it could be that the hose on that side is bad.

Could be that the other side isn't doing the same thing becase that wheel cylinder isn't working.

What makes me think its the master cylinder is that opening the bleed screw collapses the one wheel cylinder.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

If both sides actually brake but one side does not properly release the drum like the other, I would look at weak retraction springs on the shoes.
Especially if the shoes retract a bit when the bleeder screw is opened.

If the springs are more rusty on that side their wire diameter could be rusted away enough that they just are not as strong as they once were.

The retraction springs are the only thing that pull the shoes off the drum a bit. Not anything else upstream to and including the master cylinder.

 

[skeeter185]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

Well i took the other wheel off and the wheel cylinder seems to to be frozen. So I guess that is why this side isn't gettin warm. I'll replace it and let yall know the outcome. Mabey the other one was getting hot b/c it was doing all of the work. This trailewr brake thing is all new to me. Thanks again. By the way where is a good place to get a single piston wheel cylinder for trailer brakes?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

Try right here on iBoats, Champion Trailer, Northern Tool, or dozen other on-line stores. Google "Trailer Brakes" or "Trailer Brake Parts". Even NAPA or any of the larger auto stores will have them.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ez loader surge brakes

I would replace both of them while you are at it. Make sure it the aluminum type.