Surge Brakes

[rickasbury]

While I'm concentrating on my trailer, which has surge brakes, is there any service to the coupler? I don't recognize looking at it any wear items- I know it goes back and forth as brakes are applied but is there something there that will wear out? There is a grease zerk there where it slides which i have hit with the grease gun.

 

[Scott Danforth]

yes, the fluid needs changing about every 5 years

the slide pads wear

and the shock may or may not be working as they only last a few years

if the MC in the coupler is bad, you can replace them.

 

[Lou C]

Some like the Tie Down have grease fittings for the sliding portion that you can grease once a year. They also sold rebuild kits for these which of course I have one in the garage!
Bleeding out the brake fluid is a good idea every 5 years.

 

[bajaman123]

The entire master cylinder assembly (the part that makes the brakes, brake) is housed there. It's always a good idea to have a spare one complete/ready to go. The back-up lockout (various mechanisms from simple locking lever to electric solenoid operation) should be inspected and lubed annually. Of course, CHECK the brake fluid before every trip...the master cylinder caps have a tendency to leak around the gasket, allowing both brake fluid to come out as well as water to go IN.

 

[Lou C]

my garage is literally clogged with spares for the boat, and 2 old Jeeps.
trailer:
master cylinder repair kit
spare bearings
spare drum brake backing plates
spare U bolts, various fittings, etc.
Boat:
Cobra drive system
transom mount
tilt n trim cylinders
trim lines
shift cable
shift cable setting tools
power steering pump and actuator and lines
complete spare drive
Y pipe
many small parts, gaskets, o rings etc
Engine
oil filters, fuel filters, belts, hoses
2 spare carburetors (one Holley, one Edelbrock)
2 spare Carter fuel pumps
fuel line, anti siphon valves, etc
it's a neurosis lol.