How to bleed the brakes on a surge brake actuator on boat trailer
Updated 08/08/2025 | Published 08/08/2022
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Do you have a video on bleeding a A60 actuator with surge brakesdisc on a single axle boat trailer. Ive tried pressing up on the release and pumping the master cylinder with a screwdriver but the fluid doesnt seem to want to move . Any thought?
asked by: Tony
Helpful Expert Reply:
When bleeding the brakes on a surge actuator, such as the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout # DX56FR, you want to start by making sure there is fresh fluid in the reservoir then press a screw driver against the rod in the access hole to pump the brakes. If you don't have an access hole, wrap the safety chains around a pole or board and push the top into the coupler to force the pumping action that way. I attached a detailed write-up page that explains this process, and I also attached a helpful demonstration video for this.
If you cannot get the brakes to pump and bleed the fluid, then your actuator will need replaced or rebuilt. It is normally a better option to replace the entire actuator/coupler since they aren't terribly expensive, but if you decide to rebuild it then here are the parts you will likely need for your A60:
-Replacement Master Cylinder Assembly for Dexter Brake Actuators - A60 Disc Brakes # DX44FR
-Replacement Shock Absorber Spring Kit # TK71-758-00
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Farm Trailer
- Boat Trailer
- Construction Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Bolt-On
- 7500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- 3 Inch Channel Tongue
- Disc Brakes
- Electric Lockout
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder Assembly for Dexter Brake Actuators - Disc Brakes
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Search Results: boat trailer winch
- Search Results: replacement foot pad
- Search Results: dexter actuator
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator - Weld On - Drum - 2" Ball - Primed - 7,500 lbs
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Replacement Master Cylinder Assembly for Dexter Brake Actuators
- Search Results: cover
- Video: Review of CURT Trailer Winch - Two Speed Hand Winch - C65ZJ
- Search Results: brake hose
- Q&A: How to Find Correct Replacement Hubs for Shorelandr Boat Trailer
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Search Results: spindle wear sleeve
- Q&A: Replacement Actuator for UFP A-60 34044
- Shop: DeeMaxx Hydraulic Brake Line - Rubber - 3/16" Brass Male Inverted Flares - 20' Long
- Q&A: Replacement Hubs and Brake Actuator for 2018 ShorLand'r Boat Trailer
- Shop: Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - 2-5/16" Ball - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: TorkLift's Universal License Plate Flip Down Kit - Bolt-On Bracket for Hitch Access
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout
- Q&A: Mounting Hole Dimensions of Demco DA91 Surge Brake Actuator
- Q&A: What is Distance Between Mounting Holes of Dexter A-60 Coupler
- Q&A: Replacement Brake Actuating Coupler for Upgrade to Disc Brakes
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout
- Video: Review of Dexter Replacement Inner Member - DX78CR
- Q&A: Correct Replacement for UFP A-60 or A-75 Brake Actuator
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Video: What to Know About the Replacement Drop Leg for Bulldog Square Trailer Jacks
- Video: Breaking Down the Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator
on Brake Actuator
Steven
8/7/2025
i own the dx56fr was wanting a manual with instructions did u have a video on bleeding brakes can u help me thanks steven