Troubleshooting Leaking After Dexter EOH Actuator for Disc Brakes 1600 PSI Installation

Updated 01/21/2019 | Published 01/19/2019

Question:

Hello, I bought the Dexter EOH 1600 psi two weeks ago, The instructions are very clear and everything went well during the installation. The next day after installation, I noticed a big oil spot under the trailer. It was leaking from a bolt on the back next to the wiring harness. I sent an email to e-trailer with photos and they sent me a replacement immediately. Today I received the new one, after bleeding the system, the device started leaking from the same exact place. Now I am not sure if the device has a problem or the controller! The blue wires voltage out from the controller is 2.8v when the brake pedal is not pressed and 11.8v when it is fully pressed. The white wire is connected to the ground. The black wire is connected to 12v but NOT DIRECTLY to the battery, it is connected to ACC on the ignition switch meaning that the voltage is 0 when the car is off. I think this is the problem. The question is, do I need to connect the black wire to direct 12v or there is no difference if it is connected to the ignition switch ACC? Thank you

asked by: Ahmad A

Expert Reply:

Troubleshooting the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # K71-651 has a self priming pump to help with bleeding the brakes. It prevents the brake fluid from emptying back into the reservoir when the actuator is not in use. If the actuator itself is leaking brake fluid or oil, then there is a problem with the seal and should be replaced. If there is a leak further down the line, then that is not an issue with the actuator, but rather a brake line, fitting, or caliper.

The wiring should be completed exactly as shown. You will need to have that 40 amp 12V circuit from the tow vehicle which leads to the trailer connector and then from the connector goes to the actuator and your trailer breakaway battery. The ACC is not an issue as that is how many vehicles operate and voltage will be zero with vehicle off or with trailer unplugged. Because the actuator was working correctly, it appears it was connected correctly.

expert reply by: Jason S