Trailer Brake Lines Sucking In Air Using Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator

Published 10/23/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi

(73)

$1070.21

Replacement Filler Cap for HBA-Series Hydrastar Actuators

(44)

$25.93

Question:

I have a HBA-10 1000PSI. The controller is working fine in the truck and when you press the brakes or use the manual control, the pump on the trailer kicks on fine, however I have lots of air when we try to bleed the box on the trailer. We disconnected the brake line coming out of the box and capped it off to make sure there were no leaks in the brake lines and it still will not pump a stream of fluid out of the bleeder on top of the box. Does this mean that the pump is out? Seals are out?

asked by: Steven O

Expert Reply:

It doesn't sound like the pump on your Carlisle Hydrastar actuator # HBA-10, is out. It does sound like a possible issue with a seal, the cap, or something could be blocking the flow of fluid at the fitting that connects to the brake lines.

Fluid in the brake lines may not leak out anywhere unless enough pressure is in the lines. I would not rule out the brakes or a wheel cylinder. Check the backs of the wheels and tires for any evidence of leaking fluid which would indicate a bad wheel cylinder.

If it is the cap we have a replacement, # HBA-BC. But if you find it to be another seal or internal issue with the unit it will need to be returned to Carlisle to be fixed.

expert reply by: Michael H