Will Removing Check Valve on Master Cylinder Keep Brakes from Engaging When Backing Up

Updated 04/26/2018 | Published 04/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Master Cylinder Assembly for Dexter Model 6 Brake Actuators - Drum

(55)

$192.94

Hopkins Endurance 5-Way Flat Trailer Wiring Kit - Vehicle and Trailer Ends - Ergonomic Design

(36)

$22.34

Replacement Solenoid Valve for Dexter Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts

(264)

$78.83

Solenoid Shield for Dexter Model 6 Trailer Brake Actuators - Zinc

(6)

$23.53

Question:

I read the article and watched the video and understand the process. What is the purpose of this procedure? Is it so you can back up without the brakes engaging? I noticed you have an electric lock out valve does this perform the same function as removing the check valve?

asked by: Mark H

Expert Reply:

Removing the check valve from the master cylinder for hydraulic drum brakes, like part # T1777401, enables it to put out a greater psi rating so that it will be compatible with hydraulic disc brakes that require the higher psi rating.

If you are mechanically inclined and you carefully reassemble the master cylinder then you can remove the check valve. However, if you are less mechanically inclined then it would be better to replace the drum master cylinder with a disc master cylinder, like part # T1777405, or completely change out your actuator. The only difference between the two master cylinders that I have linked is the check valve.

This will not disengage the surge brakes on your trailer when you backup, but we do have a way for you to do that. By adding the Solenoid Valve # T4748800 to your model 6 Titan actuator you can lockout the actuator when you put your vehicle in reverse. I also recommend adding the Solenoid Shield # T4836800183 to your actuator so that the solenoid is protected.

To activate your solenoid you can install the 5-Way Flat Trailer Wiring Kit # HM47890 and simply connect the 5th wire to the reverse light circuit on your vehicle and then on the trailer side connect the 5th wire to either of the solenoid wires. The other solenoid wire will need to be grounded to a clean, bare-metal surface on your trailer. The wires on these are color-coded as follows:

White - Ground
Brown - Parking/Tail Lights
Yellow - Left Turn/Stop
Green - Right Turn/Stop
Blue - Reverse

If you already have 7-Ways on your vehicle and trailer then you simply need to connect the solenoid to the reverse circuit which should be the middle pin.