Troubleshooting Surge Brakes that are Locked Up
Updated 07/24/2014 | Published 07/22/2014
Question:
My hydraulic boat trailer brakes locked up. It looks like the receiver isnt coming back into position very quickly. I removed the shock. It is a Gabriel MPD85746. It seems to have no pressure. Meaning it will stay in the closed, or collapsed position. Shouldnt it have pressure to push the receiver back into the neutral position?
asked by: Matt
Expert Reply:
The shock of your actuator is designed to dampen the movement of the actuator so that the brakes apply smoothly without jerking. The shock itself does not push the tongue of the coupler out to release the brakes. If your brakes are locked up that is because the tongue of the actuator is stuck in the pushed in position with the brakes being applied.
Most likely this is not the shocks fault, although the correct shock for your Atwood coupler is part # 85830.
You have an actuator similar to the Atwood Actuator # 84132. The lower bolt on the front of the coupler should be all the way at the bottom of the track it can slide in. If it's not returning to this position inspect it to determine what is causing it to bind up and fix it. Typically grime or dirt from years of use can get worked up in there and prevent the actuator from releasing. Or you could simply replace the unit with a # 84132 which is usually a better route since you'll get a new actuator to replace other components that could be on the verge or wearing out as well.
