surge brakes wont bleed?

[sjohnson44]

I got a new Titan Model 60 surge brake actuator. I got the air out of the master cylinder, and when I actuate the brakes its pretty firm, but no fluid comes out of the bleeder. Even if I take the bleeder out still no fluid. Lines aren't clogged, I blew air through them before I installed new coupler. Brakes are not locked up, but havnt took it down the road yet.

Only thing I really noticed, is that there is not a very big stream that comes out of the back of the coupler. It might be 1/16" stream or smaller. I also have not took the lines off at the brakes to see if I have fluid there, I was tired of laying on that cold concrete and called it quits. lol

Anyways, can anyone point me in the right direction? Do I need to take the brakes apart? Run new lines? Master cylinder bad?

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

ok, help us dummies help you, are we talking manual or electric? assuming manuel surge brakes, are you depressing the 'pedal' on the trailer far enough? a good crow bar is better then a screwdriver. are you doing this solo? it helps to have someone there to both pump the brakes, hold pressure while you bleed them without letting pressure off. any letoff in the bleeding step can suck air back into the system. i know most trailer brakes have much smaller lines then auto systems. could that account for the flow difference? i would look at the pressure vs the flow volume. try a test. depress the actuator and see if the tires are locked up.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

I got a new Titan Model 60 surge brake actuator. I got the air out of the master cylinder, and when I actuate the brakes its pretty firm, but no fluid comes out of the bleeder. Even if I take the bleeder out still no fluid. Lines aren't clogged, I blew air through them before I installed new coupler. Brakes are not locked up, but havnt took it down the road yet.

Only thing I really noticed, is that there is not a very big stream that comes out of the back of the coupler. It might be 1/16" stream or smaller. I also have not took the lines off at the brakes to see if I have fluid there, I was tired of laying on that cold concrete and called it quits. lol

Anyways, can anyone point me in the right direction? Do I need to take the brakes apart? Run new lines? Master cylinder bad?

Did you get a manual with the actuator? Read down about half way and it gives you instructions on how to do it.

 

[impatico]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

I wouldn't blow air through them, unless you have an amazing air dryer and water separator....

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

I had another person helping me, I can depress the actuator as far as it will go and nothing happens. I read the d-structions and Im doing it right. Just didnt know if there is like a trick to this or not. Im going to grab some speed bleeders today and try again.

 

[lncoop]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

How old are the wheel cylinders? If you haven't recently changed them that would be my first guess.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

+1 on hte wheel cylinders and I'd suggest pressure bleeding them rather than the prybar bleed method. You can make a brake bleeder for about $20 out of a pressure sprayer that will do the job very nicely. Google homemade brake bleeder. With the bleeder on, you should see a steady stream from the wheel cylinder when cracked. if not, junk wheel cylinder full of crap.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

Ok thanks guys, I will look into that. As far as I know, they are at best 16 years old.

 

[lncoop]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

Ok thanks guys, I will look into that. As far as I know, they are at best 16 years old.

Well in that case don't even bother with anything else until you change those. If they're that old they are definitely not functioning properly. They're like twenty bucks apiece and very simple to replace. I just went through this process last spring. And, while you're in there you'll need to verify that all the other parts are doing their thing. At the minimum you'll need to clean them. Also, once you've replaced what needs replacing it would be prudent to replace any rubber sections of brake line then flush it all really well with brake fluid while you're disconnected at the wheel cylinders. Even though they're not clogged they have moisture and gunk in them from being dormant so long. You don't even need a helper for that. Just keep filling the reservoir and pumping fluid through until it comes out nice and clean. Good luck partner. I was in your shoes (get it?) recently.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

Sounds like a plan Incoop, any chance NAPA or some place like that would carry them? Ive seen trailer parts at NAPA, mostly just electric brake parts tho. I appreciate all the advice!

 

[lncoop]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

Sounds like a plan Incoop, any chance NAPA or some place like that would carry them? Ive seen trailer parts at NAPA, mostly just electric brake parts tho. I appreciate all the advice!

It's possible you could find them at NAPA; it's worth a shot; but I'd be surprised. My advice would be to track down a good trailer parts store. I've found one here that's been exceptionally helpful both in terms of parts availability and advice. I realize not everyone has one of those available, but that should be your first choice IMHO. I think Champion Trailer is a franchise model, so that might be your best bet, but you might be pleasantly surprised if you check the Yellow Pages. Take off one of the cylinders and put it in your vehicle, that way you'll be sure to get the right one if you do find a local supplier. If you strike out there you can get everything you need on line.

 

[lncoop]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

Sjohnson, check your PMs.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: surge brakes wont bleed?

Got them working today! Combination of bad wheel cylinders and a couple stopped up lines. The wheel cylinders were full of rust and muck. $50 later the brakes are back in business. Napa ended up having some universal ones, I think the brand was RedLine.

Thanks for everyones help, will be testing them out later when I go to put motor in boat and upholstery done.