Surge Brake Bleeding and Other ??

[edgutgesell]

Hi all,<br /><br />I have a EZ loader tandem trailer that I use to trailer my 20' Wellcraft. It is a surge drum brake setup, and I have a leaky brake cylinder that will require repair and bleeding. I am very familiar with bleeding hydraulic brakes on cars, however, I am not sure how it is done with the master cylinder in the trailer coupler. Cars have a very convienient brake pedal. I read in another thread by another boater that he blocks the rear trailer wheels so that the trailer cannot roll backward while putting pressure on the trailer coupler while in reverse with his truck while opening the bleeder on the brake cylinder. Is this the process?? <br /><br />I have a wire cable about 30" long with a hook on the end coming out of the top of the coupler near the brake fluid filler cap. I am not exactly sure of it's function, however, I have heard that it should be hooked to the car for emergency purposes. Is this correct or does it have anything to do with brake bleeding??<br /><br />Do most or all drum brake setups on boat trailers have manual brake adjustment??<br /><br />When I take the brakes apart, what is the best method to clean them? Standard automotive aerosol brake cleaners? If so what brand? Should I use heat resistant paint on brake parts such as outside of drums or backer plates to keep down corrosion? I have "bearing buddies" installed and my boat is used exclusively in saltwater.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Surge Brake Bleeding and Other ??

On some surge brake actuators, you can put a big screwdriver in a slot and pump the master cylinder without having to move the coupler back and forth. If you can't use the screwdriver method, try taking your drawbar and ball out of the trailer hitch, and put the ball in the coupler, lock it down and move the coupler with the drawbar. I used the one man brake bleeding kit from Lisle tools to do mine, it works well. You have to remember to keep the master cylinder full on the actuator at all times. I would not bother rebuilding the old drum brakes, just put on a set of Galvax drum brakes made by Tie Down, they are about as corrosion resistant as drum brakes can be. A pair only costs about $128 from Champion Trailers for the 10" diameter size.