Do I Clean Or Replace The Master Cylinder on a Titan Model 6 Actuator That is Full of Rust?

Published 10/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(56)

$205.48

Hand Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder

(10)

$39.24

Question:

5 years it full of rust inside. Anything do clean it?

asked by: Paul B

Expert Reply:

I would start by checking the condition of the Master Cylinder # T1777401 on your trailer. Using the manual activation method which I have included a image for you to understand this will check to see if the O-rings inside your master cylinder have become damaged from the rust/corrosion inside the master cylinder. If you can apply manual pressure to the brakes and the board stays in the same place with equal pressure then you will be able to clean and reuse your current cylinder. If the board creeps closer to the trailer at the top while applying steady pressure to the board then your O-rings are damaged and you are better off replacing the entire Master Cylinder # T1777401 on your trailer as there may also be corrosion inside the cylinder sleeve.

You can use a Hand Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder # PTW87030 to pull the fluid and rust inside the reservoir out without forcing it into the cylinder and risking damage to the O-rings or cylinder sleeve.

It is a good idea to replace the brake fluid in the cylinder and lines every year or 2 as brake fluid will absorb moisture and that is generally what leads to the rust build up inside the reservoir and master cylinder.

expert reply by: Bud M