newbie here flushing out trailer brakes

[tugboatcook]

Hi everyone! Just got a load right trailer 10 years old and it looks like no one has ever flushed the brake system. lots of mud in the master cylinder. I heard that pumping denatured alcohol through the system works but I need more opinions. Thanks for any input.

 

[lncoop]

Re: newbie here flushing out trailer brakes

I just encountered the same thing on my party barge trailer. I replaced the master and ran three quarts of brake fluid through the system before filling and bleeding. Worked very well for me. If the reservoir is empty except for the sludge that works in your favor. While you're at it you might as well replace the master and wheel cylinders, otherwise all your flushing will have been in vain. Good luck and welcome aboard.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: newbie here flushing out trailer brakes

Hi everyone! Just got a load right trailer 10 years old and it looks like no one has ever flushed the brake system. lots of mud in the master cylinder. I heard that pumping denatured alcohol through the system works but I need more opinions. Thanks for any input.

Don't think I would be putting alcohol through the system. I would question if it would damage the seals. The other problem is that alcohol boils at a relatively low temp. Any residual alcohol that may be left over in the system could start boiling if you get the brakes hot which would set you up for a loss in trailer braking. I would be flushing the system with what ever brake fluid is specified for your brakes. As Incoop said, it may be wise to just go ahead and replace the master/slaves if they are particularly sludgy. Chances are the seals may be leaking in them at this point anyway.

 

[ufm82]

Re: newbie here flushing out trailer brakes

Have to agree with Coop here- if the trailer is 10 years old and the master cylinder is crap the chances are very high that the wheel cylinders are frozen as well. They get wet and hot- much more likely to rust/seize up before the master cylinder. I'd pull the whole system apart before trying any flushing procedure. Then flush the lines (if they are still in OK condition) before installing anything new or you'll just get old crap in the new stuff.
You can get the complete 10" backing plates assemblies with shoes and everything for about $50 each. 12" are more but you get everything! That's the way to go when you have running gear issues.

 

[lncoop]

Re: newbie here flushing out trailer brakes

Check your yellow pages for a trailer store. I found a really good parts source by doing that. Saved me from paying shipping costs and allowed me to get the ball rolling a lot quicker. They ordered the one item they didn't have in stock and didn't charge me freight.

 

[tugboatcook]

Re: newbie here flushing out trailer brakes

I guess replacing the cylinders is the way to go. everything works fine I was just hoping to prevent before replace. Thanks for all the imput.