How to bleed the brakes on a surge brake actuator on boat trailer

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

1

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

expert reply by: Andrew N

1

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

Reply

Andrew N.

8/8/2025

@Steven Hey there. You'll just need to stick a screw driver in the hole underneath the actuator and pump/pressurize the brakes. Then go to the brake assembly and open the bleeder screw/valve and let out the air bubbles. Might have to do this a few times. Check out the demo video here.

Helpful Links

tv-install-and-review-dexter-a-60-brake-actuator-dx29fr.aspx

Reply

Answer 1

Sometimes dust and dirt can get down in the threads of the master cylinder cap and they can get stuck on there real good. Unfortunately there is not really a trick to getting it off, other than using force. A little WD40 may help but I would use that…

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Answer 2

In order to find the correct replacement hubs for your Shoreland'r boat trailer, you need to first know what bearings your current hub has. You will need to take apart your current hub assembly and look at the bearings themselves; wipe away the…

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Answer 3

The UFP 34044 is basically the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 part #DX89FR. The second number you mentioned is actually a phone number. But the #DX89FR would be an exact replacement for what you have.

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Answer 4

Hey Blake! Are those disc brakes or drum brakes? The Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout #DX56FR you were looking at is designed for disc brakes, fits a 3" x 5" tongue, and has a 2" coupler so it will fit a 2"…

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Answer 5

The distance between the mounting holes of the Dexter coupler part #DX56FR is 3 inches so it would bolt right up to your trailer. For a manual lockout you could use with this you'd want part #DX94FR. Standard brake line kits like the part #DM5424…

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Answer 6

I attached a picture that shows all of the mounting hole dimensions pointed out as well as a second picture that shows the distance from the front mounting hole to rear of shroud on the Demco DA91 #DM8750311 you referenced.

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Answer 7

The bolt hole dimensions of the Demco Brake Actuator #DM8669112 are 12-1/2 inches on center and 3 inches on center. I've attached a photo to assist. The Titan #T4747220 has mounting holes that are 3 inch on center so 2 of the 3 holes will align…

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Answer 8

The Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator part #DX89FR for disc or part #DX33FR for drum will work to replace both a UFP A-60 or A-75 Brake Actuator so there will be no worried here. The A-60 is rated for 6K and the A-75 is rated for 7.5K. The Dexter…

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Answer 9

Since the Bearing Buddy Grease Seal Set #BB60005 will direct grease outside the hub you will not be able to use the EZ-Lube spindle. Instead you will need to use a set of the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors #BB1980A-SS to fill your hubs with grease.…

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Answer 10

I have no way of looking up which actuator your boat trailer was equipped with, as the trailer manufacturers don't make that database information public. If your Ranger boat trailer uses the Dexter DX7.5 Disc Brake Actuator, the #DX99FR would be…

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Answer 11

The pins on the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator #DX63FR are removed by releasing the snap rings and washers from one side of the actuator. You will then be able to press out the pins. Do note depending on the age of your actuator and the amount of…

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Answer 12

Yes, you can absolutely use the DeeMaxx #DE22FR with a Dexter A-60 Actuator like the #DX56FR. The Dexter #DX56FR actuator is designed to be used with disc brakes. You could use this with virtually any disc brake kit, regardless of brand.

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How to bleed the brakes on a surge brake actuator on boat trailer

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