Troubleshooting Trailer Disc Brakes that Won't Activate Although Actuator Moves Fluid
Question:
1998 Loadrite Trailer 8500 Lb Cap. Had your disks brakes installed some years ago. Never worked. Dealer had no experience. Went to another shop , had brake lines done. Still No brakes. Decided to do it myself. Calipers look shot. Marking say 225. Im getting fluid back but no movement from the brakes. If they havent worked in 8 years Im thinking replacement would be first step. What you think?
asked by: Gus D
Helpful Expert Reply:
First step I would try is bleeding the brakes. It sounds like you have an air bubble that needs to just be worked out of the lines and then the brakes should start working again.
I attached a help article on bleeding trailer brakes too.
First top off the master cylinder with appropriate fluid. Next you will want to pump the fluid from the master cylinder. You can do this by unbolting the plate that holds the lever in place and then use that lever to actuate the master cylinder and force the fluid through. On some units, you will have to manually activate it at the point where the hitch ball moves in and out. The model in the video has a lever underneath the unit you could use to actuate it.
Next, find the bleeder valve and open it. Take a rubber hose and slide it onto the bleeder itself and run the other end to a clear container. Using a clear container will allow you to see if any air bubbles rise up during the process. No bubbles means no air and that the system is full of just fluid.
Start on the wheel cylinder closest to the T where it splits off. When you get clear fluid running out through your bleeder valve and no bubbles, you can go ahead and pull it back and hold it there and then shut off the bleeder valve. Continue from the closest wheel cylinder to the T and work your way back to front if you have a dual or triple axle trailer.
If that doesn't work let me know and we can get you some new calipers. Since yours say 225 that means they are Kodiak like the part # KDBC225DAC.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kodiak Disc Brake Caliper - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- 3500 lbs
- 6000 lbs
- Caliper Parts
- Caliper
- Kodiak
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