Do Brake Lines Need To Be Bled After Removing The Line From The Actuator
Question:
I have a Dexter DX7.5 coupler on my Hustler 25 tri-toon trailer. Im very tight on winter storage and can gain about 18 if I unbolt the coupler from the tongue. The only thing I see as a possible problem is the rigid brake line. Will this bend upwards when I unbolt the coupler or should I disconnect it. If so, do you have reconnect/bleed instructions to insure that I have restored the brakes to be fully operational? Thanks,
asked by: Tom H
Helpful Expert Reply:
If you have a hardline connecting to the actuator then you would not want to bend it back and forth since that will weaken it and end up breaking the line. Removing the line from the actuator will introduce air back into the line so you would need to bleed the lines every time you disconnect the line. I've attached a help article below that will walk you through the steps of bleeding the brake lines.
If your frame has enough space you could cut the hard line back a bit and use a flexible line like # bh-3mfs-1-5 and a union # BH-C-3FIF to have enough flexibility to remove the coupler and flip it back up into the frame for more clearance.

Products Referenced in This Question
Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - 3/16" Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1/8" ID - 1.5'
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- 1-1/2 Feet Long
- Brake Lines
- Flexible Brake Hose
- Brake Line Components
- Kodiak
more information >
Kodiak Union Fitting for Hydraulic Brake Hose - Brass - 3/16" Female Inverted Flares
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Brake Lines
- Brake Line Fitting
- Brake Line Components
- Kodiak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Agricultural
- Construction
- Marine
- Travel Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Bolt-On
- 7500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Disc Brakes
- Electric Lockout
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - 3/16" Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1/8" ID - 1.5'
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs
- Q&A: Replacement Bolt-On Disc Brake Actuator for Tie Down 70E
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Q&A: When Do Brakes Need to be Added to Both Axles of Tandem Axle Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Disc Brake Caliper for a Tie Down Engineering 46304 Caliper
- Q&A: Pats Needed to Convert Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes
- Q&A: Replacement for a TDE LP8500 Boat Trailer Acuator
- Q&A: Help With Installing Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator On Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Recommended Disc Brake Kit and Replacement TieDown Model 70E Actuator for Load Rite Boat Trailer
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Accurately Measure Trailer Leaf Springs
- Article: How to Measure a Trailer Axle