Demco DA86 Brake Actuator Locks Up Brakes When In Reverse - What Can I Do?

Updated 05/05/2026 | Published 05/02/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Demco DA86 Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes w/ Solenoid - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 8,600 lbs

(9)

$220.91

Reverse Lockout Solenoid for Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuators - Non-Bypass

(42)

$76.85

Question:

I have a demco disc brake actuator and it locks up in reverse. I checked the power running from the car and it is working. The actuator is three years old. When I tried to manually compress the master cylinder I cant push it. Does this appear to be failure of the solenoid?

asked by: Tim H

Expert Reply:

Hey Tim, thanks for reaching out. Yes, what you’re describing definitely points toward the reverse lockout not doing its job. At three years old, it’s very possible the solenoid has gone bad or is stuck internally. Before replacing it, I’d double check that you’ve got 12V right at the solenoid itself when in reverse, not just at the vehicle plug. If power is confirmed at the solenoid and it’s still locked solid, then yeah, at that point it’s a failed or stuck solenoid and replacement is the fix.

For a replacement solenoid you can use the following:

- Reverse Lockout Solenoid for Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuators - Non-Bypass # DM11993

expert reply by: Jesse M