Troubleshooting Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator # T4747220 That Wont Compress

Updated 06/30/2015 | Published 06/27/2015

Question:

I replaced my entire brake system disc and have properly bled the system buy the new coupler wont slide or compress to make the brakes engage. I have put blocks of wood behind the trailer wheels to make it activate in reverse but it wont budge. Ant ideas? Thanks.

asked by: Doug M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for your recent purchases.

My first thought is that there may be a short in your trailer wiring for the reverse lockout circuit. If there were a short somewhere on the trailer power could be reaching the reverse lockout solenoid when it is not supposed to. This could happen if the trailer's 12V auxiliary power circuit were shorted to the frame. You can try disconnecting the wiring for the reverse lockout solenoid to see if the coupler will engage (compress) when you back up.

Other than this issue the next most likely cause for the actuator not compressing is some sort of physical obstruction, perhaps some small structure on the trailer's tongue, that is stopping the compression of the actuator. Since this coupler uses two rollers for smooth operation (and intended to allow it to compress easily) the issue is not likely to be within the coupler itself.

Also check that the piston dampener bolt is not too tight as this could also cause the actuator to not compress.

expert reply by: Adam R