Gravity Bleeding the Brakes

6

6MISFITZ

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
290
This is the first winter my family and I have owned a boat & trailer and before it goes back on the road, I need to do some maintenance. The brake fluid is not clean and I suspect it is as old as the boat and trailer which are from 1987.<br />I do not have access to a power bleeder but have gravity bled the brakes on a friend's race car for 2 seasons.<br />Trailer has surge brakes:<br /> With the reservoir kept topped up - open the bleeder slowly until clean fluid comes out the bleeder and tighten the bleeder. Repeat for the other side making sure the reservoir is FULL.<br />(Yes the trailer toungue/reservoir is higher then the wheel cylinders)<br /><br /> Do any of you agree/disagree with this method or know of something better you have done thatI should do? <br />I will be using regular dot 3 fluid not exotic stuff.<br />Thanks,<br />Mike.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Gravity Bleeding the Brakes

Mike, <br /><br />THe only way I've ever done surge brakes is to:<br /><br />1. Hook the trailer up to a suitable tow vehicle.<br /><br />2. SECURELY, block the trailer wheels.<br /><br />3. Open the reservoir.<br /><br />4. Have some someone in the tow vehicle place the vehicle in reverse and at the same time have <br />people (2) crack open the bleeders. All the while, have someone watching the reservoir level and keeping it topped off.<br /><br />5. Reverse process.
 
A

araiha

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2001
Messages
121
Re: Gravity Bleeding the Brakes

Depending on the type of surge actuator you have, you may be able to bleed them this way: I take my receiver hitch out of the truck and lock it into the hitch. My hitch/actuator works by rotating downward (6000 pound) vice the larger ones that push straight back. I open the bleed valve farthest from the actuator and with a piece of clear vinyl hose run in into a clear container with brake fluid in it. Now just pump the receiver hitch (your handle) up and down (keeping the reservoir full) until the brake fluid comes through clear and without ari bubbles. It will run for a few seconds after actuation allowing you to visually inspect and tighten down fittings when you are done. Then progressively move to closer wheels until complete. <br /><br />Good Luck
 
6

6MISFITZ

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
290
Re: Gravity Bleeding the Brakes

My surge brake actuator is the kind that slides straight back. Do I need to disconnect the small shock absorber that attaches to the hitch?<br />Thanks,<br />M.F.
 
A

araiha

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2001
Messages
121
Re: Gravity Bleeding the Brakes

No, but it will be easier to activate the brake system with it disconnected.
 
6

6MISFITZ

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
290
Re: Gravity Bleeding the Brakes

Well gravity bleeding does not work with a boat trailer even with the trailer tounge much higher than the wheel cylinders. <br />So I tried some of both, Alaskaskiff and djohns19 ideas.<br />Disconnected the surge shock.<br />Opened the bleeders on both sides.<br />Slide the actuator back and locked in position with a spare tie down.<br />Closed the bleeders.<br />Then released the tie down and pulled the hitch out to full.<br />Opened the bleeders and repeated these steps untill the brake fluid turned clear. This was about 40 minutes of work before the fluid changed from a colour of red A.T.F to clean fluid. <br />I think I will take MURX advice and get a power bleeder before the next service.<br />Thanks.
 
A

araiha

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2001
Messages
121
Re: Gravity Bleeding the Brakes

I am upgrading my Atwood Actuator to a Tiedown one (ushes straight back vice pivoting). They have a provision to activate the master cylinder for bleeding with a screwdriver through a slot in the casing. You might check yours.
 
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