Troubleshooting Titan Brake-Rite That Pump Wont Pressurize

Updated 12/16/2024 | Published 09/05/2020

Question:

I have A Bunkhouse tent trailer with the titan brake rite EHB unit that will not work properly. When i apply the brakes on my Goldwing mc, the pump makes noise but there is no pressure applied to the brakes. The wheels just keep spinning. It has a breakaway system dynamite switch that seems to work correctly when the pin is pulled on the switch, the wheels lock up immediately. On the side of the unit is a rheostat unit for adjusting the amount of brake pressure , but no matter which way I turn the switch the brakes do not work. when the brakes on the motorcycle are applied. I have traced the wiring on the trailer and it seems to be okay ....the brake lights do come on when applied and the pump does seem to work. It make noise as if it is pumping. Would it be possible for you to send me the proper wiring diagram. i have included pictures to show the unit with its rheostat for brake adjustments. thank you in advance for your help

asked by: Bruce H

Expert Reply:

If your Titan BrakeRite # T4813102 is not building pressure you are going to want to start by ensuring the actuator is properly grounded to a 12 volt battery. Should that not be the cause, test the actuator using a voltmeter with the tow vehicle connected to the trailer. Look at the volts from the black wire to the white wire, first when the brakes are NOT applied and then when the brakes ARE applied.

The voltage when the brakes are NOT applied should be around 12, and when NOT applied the volts should not be under 10. If it does, there is a wiring issue, likely a short, that is happening and causing the issue, or it could be something as simple as corroded connectors- so you'll want to make sure those are clean and free from dirt and corrosion.

You also should test the wiring at the actuator with a 12 volt vehicle battery. Make sure the trailer is not connected to the tow vehicle, disconnect the battery leads on the trailer and cut the black, blue and white wires coming from the actuator.

After that, take the black wire and touch it to the positive post of the battery, take the white wire and touch it to the negative post of the battery, and then add the blue wire and touch it to the positive post of the battery, which should result in the actuator running. If for some reason it does not, then the actuator itself is going to be the problem and you will need to replace it.

expert reply by: Erik B

Christopher

12/15/2024

Hi Erik, I'm having the same problem however the actuator functions but the pump does not build pressure. I've removed and cleaned the relief valve already. I see gurgling around in the reservoir when the circuit is energized?

Kevin C.

12/16/2024

@Christopher It sounds like it could be trying to push fluid but there's a blockage. When was the last time you bled the brake lines?

Christopher

12/16/2024

@KevinC Hi Kevin, I tried to bleed them yesterday but it only pushes a small amount of fluid through. I'm thinking I should just blow all the lines out at this point?

Kevin C.

12/16/2024

@Christopher I would. If you've checked that the actuator is getting proper ground and voltage to work and is trying to push fluid the next thing to check would be the lines. If you blow them out and find the actuator is still fighting you then it would point to some internal issue with the actuator and you'd want to get Dexter involved to start the warranty process.