How to Test Hydrastar Brake Actuator to See if it is Bad
Updated 09/02/2025 | Published 06/28/2025
Question:
I have a Hydrastar MHBA-16-1600 psi with a Cargo HBA-CAM 381-7073 on a triple axle boat trailer. This is connected to my Silverado 2012 3500 HD and has worked for years. The brakes have stopped working. I have used a meter and made sure I am getting the set voltage to the blue wire going to the brake controller, now set for 6.5 volts. I can hear and feel the Hydrastar click when the brakes are applied but the electric motor does not operate. What is the best way to determine if this is the Hydrastar with issues or the HBA-CAM which is causing the issues? If the Hydrastar is bad can I rebuild it?
asked by: Shane H
Expert Reply:
Hello Shane,
My apologies for the delay in getting an answer, we had quite the spike in questions and are getting caught up. I also had to wait for a response from Hydrastar, this is what they sent to troubleshoot:
1. Check to ensure unit is receiving power from the tow vehicle (black= 12-volt constant power, blue = 10-12 volts during brake activation, white = ground)
2. Check Breakaway Battery System wiring. Blue brake controller wiring from the Hydrastar™ should NOT be wired in to the Breakaway Battery System.
3. If the problem is not solved, conduct Battery Test (see Battery Test Procedures) (I attached the image)
4. If actuator passes Battery Test the problem is not in the actuator. If the actuator fails the Battery Test, please let me know so I can get you in contact with the technical department directly.
Were you able to get it figured out already? If so, what did you find out?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- Boat Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Disc Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: brake bleeder
- Search Results: electric over hydraulic trailer breakaway kit
- Search Results: brake fluid
- Search Results: butt splice
- Shop: Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Replacement 12V 5 Ah Battery for Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits
- Shop: Powerbuilt Brake Bleeder - Master Kit
- Shop: Hand Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder
- Search Results: dexter brake line
- Search Results: trailer breakaway kit
- Search Results: trailer battery
- Q&A: Will the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Part # HS381-8067 Work for Me
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Hydrastar HBA16 and HS381-8067?
- Shop: Hydraulic Flex Hose - 18" long
- Shop: Hydraulic Line Kit for Torsion Axles - Used with 9504 or 9505
- Q&A: How to Verify a Trailer Surge Brake Actuator is Still Working
- Q&A: Replacing Atwood Weld on Actuator on Trailmaster Boat Trailer
- Video: etrailer 7 Way Upgrade Kit With Junction Box Installation
- Video: Hydrastar Brake Actuator HS304-7169 Review
- Video: Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit Review and Installation 3802308
- Video: Deka Butt Connectors Detailed Breakdown
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Wiring - 7 Way Upgrade Kit - e99011
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector
- Q&A: U-bolt Spacing and Frame Size for the HydraStar Clamp-On EOH Mounting Bracket # HS304-7169
- Q&A: How To Install HBA-CAM Hydrastar Adapter
- Q&A: Does HBA-CAM Adapter Module for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuators have 2 or 4 Wires
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
on Brake Actuator
Kate F.
9/2/2025
Hey Shane, Were you able to figure out if the issue was with the Hydrastar or the HBA-CAM? If so, what did you find out? If you’re still looking for a solution, I’m happy to help.