Troubleshooting Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Not Working Brakes

Question

Question:

I have a pj trailer equipped with the hydrstar hba-16. Since I bought it new I have not touched any wiring or had the brake line open. Recently Ive come to notice that no brakes will activate even with the pump pumping. No leaks, full of fluid, I had breaks a few months ago, its just been sitting for a little bit with no use. Is the internals of the pump bad? Should I attempt to bleed at pump?

asked by: Hank R

0

Expert Reply:

It is possible for the actuator inside the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes # HBA16 to go bad. The brake fluid should be checked with a tester to determine if moisture is mixing with the brake fluid. As moisture gets into the fluid it can cause corrosion to build up inside the actuator and brake lines. This corrosion can cause the actuator to freeze up or debris to get into the lines and clog the lines or the calipers. I recommend attempting to bleed the entire system to determine if the actuator is moving any fluid. It is best to start at the furthest point and move closer throughout the process. The Powerbuilt Brake Bleeder # ALL648591 will help you do this by yourself.

expert reply by: Bud M

0

Jordan B.

5/11/2025

I’m having the same problem pump runs but can’t get fluid out of any of the caliper bleed screws. Was working fine now nothing. It’s full of fluid. I can get fluid to come out of bleeder on actuator just not the calipers

Jerred H.

5/15/2025

@JordanB It definitely sounds like you have a clogged or pinched line somewhere before the brake line t's off to the calipers. I recommend working your way back from the calipers toward your Hydraulic Actuator like item # HBA16. You'll want to disconnect the lines until you find one with fluid and then blow them out with an air compressor or replace them.

Jordan B.

5/16/2025

@JerredH So I found that I had fluid at all calipers my issue was the bleeders where clogged. But still don’t have brakes even with fluid coming out bleed the calipers seems that there’s no air. Is my actuator possibly not putting out enough pressure?

Jerred H.

5/16/2025

@JordanB If you're sure you have all of the air out of the lines and actuator then yes that is a definite possibility. Have you messed with the settings on your brake controller recently or could they have been changed somehow? I'd start there. The fact that your actuator is actually running most likely rules this out but it's an easy thing to check. If the settings are good then make sure that the actuator is properly grounded. The ground connection needs to be on the vehicle and not the trailer. Make sure there isn't any rust or corrosion that might be preventing a solid connection. Then you can try to test the unit by using a 12V battery to apply power directly to the actuator. Disconnect it from the tow vehicle and the breakaway system so that it's isolated from any other power source. First connect the white wire to the negative terminal on the battery and the black wire to the positive terminal. At this point the motor should NOT run - if it does then there's an internal issue and it will need to be replaced/repaired by HydraStar. If that checks out okay next leave the white wire connected to the negative terminal but connect the blue and black wires together to the positive terminal. At this point the motor should run and start to pressurize. If not then there's again something internal going on that needs to be repaired/replaced.

Answer 1

If your HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator #HBA16 isn't pressurizing then I recommend running these 2 tests: 1. Run direct power to the HydraStar by connecting the white wire directly to the negative terminal on a 12V battery and then the…

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Answer 2

I spoke with my contact at HydraStar regarding the issue you're having with the EOH Actuator like #HBA-10 and he has not really heard of this happening before. What he recommends doing is bleeding the trailer brakes to ensure there isn't…

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Answer 3

It sounds like the fact your brakes are locking and releasing is what will cause the bounce and porpoising you are describing. It sounds to me like your surge brake actuator is sticking and then releasing and then doing so again and again as you slow…

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Answer 4

According to the manufacturer the Replacement Caliper for Titan 10" Brakes #K71-773-01 is rated for use with EOH systems. Since your current brake set up is causing damage to your rotors it may not be a bad idea to replace your brake set up. The…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 7

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 8

The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part #DM72VR should be a direct replacement for the Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator that you have now. This newest updated it rated at 7K instead of 6K. This is a bolt on option that mounts on 3" centers.…

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Answer 9

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 10

Hey Robert, yes the Kodiak disc brake calipers part #KDBC225DAC that you referenced will replace the Tie Down calipers you have now 46304, they can be used as a left or right hand caliper and does come with ceramic brake pads. If you ever needed…

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Answer 11

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 12

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Troubleshooting Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Not Working Brakes

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