How To Reset Breakaway Cable / Lever On Dexter Titan Model 6 Surge Brake Actuator?

Updated 03/31/2026 | Published 03/26/2026

Question:

How do you reset the breakaway cable on this actuator?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

That’s a great question, Jorge - this one can definitely be a little tricky the first time you run into it.

On the Dexter/Titan Model 6 actuator like yours, resetting the breakaway lever isn't to difficult.

To reset it, you’ll first want to relieve any hydraulic pressure in the system by carefully loosening the brake line fitting at the master cylinder. Once that pressure is released, remove the four bolts on the cover holding the master cylinder assembly in place and gently pull it back.

With that out of the way, you can reposition the breakaway spring. The front tab of the U-shaped spring needs to sit in the notch on the breakaway lever, while the rear tab rests on top of the master cylinder mounting bracket. After that, line everything back up, reinstall the bolts, and tighten them down.

When it’s reset correctly, the breakaway lever should sit at about a 45-degree angle instead of straight up. From there, retighten the brake line fitting and bleed the brakes if needed.

Sorry we don't have a video on this! I wish we did. Let me know if you need anymore help on this. What do you haul with the trailer?

expert reply by: Andrew N

Chris

3/31/2026

All of that makes perfect sense, thank you for the response. Does anything go through the open hole in the lever? Or is the lever just centered by sitting in the slot?

Andrew N.

3/31/2026

@Chris If you mean the open hole on top of the lever, then yes, that is where the emergency cable attaches to, which then runs up to your tow vehicle hitch hoook.

Chris

3/31/2026

@AndrewN No, there is a hole about mid way on the lever. It's not visible when the lever is in place, it lies below the slot the lever sits in.

Andrew N.

3/31/2026

@Chris Oh okay, it's hard to say for sure but everything I can find online doesn't show anything attached to the bottom hole. If you send a pic to this email I can try to look at it. Unfortunately we don't have a schematic or instructions from Dexter/Titan on this, but we can try to get that from them if need be. That breakaway lever should just attach at the bottom to where it applies leverage/pressure when engaged.