How To Bleed Brakes With Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator T2477600

Updated 12/01/2025 | Published 11/05/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - 2-5/16" Ball - Bolt On - 12,500 lbs

(182)

$648.34

Powerbuilt Brake Bleeder - Master Kit

(18)

$8.15

Question:

What is the procedure to bleed the brakes with this unit?

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Hello Kevin, thanks for reaching out. For that your best bet would be to use the old method with a 2x4 and the safety chains.

While the trailer is disconnected from the vehicle, hook the trailer safety chains together to form a loop centered below the coupler. Place a sturdy board, like a 2x4, through the safety chain loop. The safety chain loop will help give you the leverage you need to collapse the actuator. It’s best to have a board at least 4’ long so that it extends well above the actuator.

Position the board against the front end of the actuator’s coupler and use it to force the coupler case into the actuator’s outer housing. This process simulates actual braking and will pump brake fluid into the trailer's hydraulic system. Manually pull the coupler case back so it’s fully extended and repeat process until air bubbling stops inside the master cylinder.

A Brake Bleeder like part # ALL648591 is also a useful tool that will help with this.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Brake Bleeding Example
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

12/1/2025

Hey Kevin, how did things go using the 2x4 and safety chain method to bleed the brakes on your Dexter actuator? Your update could make it easier for the next person working through the same process.