Actuator pics and brake fluid pics. Not pretty I think.

[Mkos1980]

In my other post I was thinking of just getting a whole new system, but then sat down tonihgt and said lets see what I have to worth with now. I pulled the drums off the second axle and they looked flawless. All greesed up (on the main parts) no rust and plenty of pad. Tested and the wheel just drags on the brakes and I said let me change the fluid and see what I have. I felt braking could be better. I took the cap off and I saw rust and once I pumped all the fluid out until nice and clear I was left with this. What would cause the rust on the bottom of the master? I see no leaks anywhere on this trailer. Newer lines as well attached outside the trailer so the visual is good.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Actuator pics and brake fluid pics. Not pretty I think.

Oh. Master is an unknown year Dico 60 Multi-fit (Prev owner said it was newer and brakes are 10.6 Drums. Brakes only on rear axle. Trailer say for 3 years before I bought it in a barn. I bought it in 07 and it wasnt used since 02. (I dont knonw if that matters.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Actuator pics and brake fluid pics. Not pretty I think.

Water/moisture and brake fluid really like each other. Systems that sit around will suck in moisture just from the temperature changes because they don't seal all that well. Flush it (should be done periodically anyway). Replace the master if your not comfortable with it.

Single axle brakes on a dual? Not for me.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Actuator pics and brake fluid pics. Not pretty I think.

What JFC said. Rusty brake fluid, though not desirable, is not that uncommon. I had the same actuator as you and the seal for the cap leaves a lot to be desired. As long as the master holds pressure and your wheel cylinders are not leaking, I would not be too concerned.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Actuator pics and brake fluid pics. Not pretty I think.

My boat came with brakes on only one of the axles of the tandem trailer. I added brakes to the second axle.

This is an area where boat dealers can save a little money at the expense of safety for the buyer. I spoke with the manufacturer of my trailer and the guy kinda shrugged when i asked him the question on why it came that way. Basically, he said, it adds a little more profit to the dealers that way and buyers usually don't notice it.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Actuator pics and brake fluid pics. Not pretty I think.

My boat came with brakes on only one of the axles of the tandem trailer. I added brakes to the second axle.

This is an area where boat dealers can save a little money at the expense of safety for the buyer. I spoke with the manufacturer of my trailer and the guy kinda shrugged when i asked him the question on why it came that way. Basically, he said, it adds a little more profit to the dealers that way and buyers usually don't notice it.

I'm surprised that's legal. It's illegal over here.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Actuator pics and brake fluid pics. Not pretty I think.

My boat came with brakes on only one of the axles of the tandem trailer. I added brakes to the second axle.

This is an area where boat dealers can save a little money at the expense of safety for the buyer. I spoke with the manufacturer of my trailer and the guy kinda shrugged when i asked him the question on why it came that way. Basically, he said, it adds a little more profit to the dealers that way and buyers usually don't notice it.

I asked the same question to a rep from Loadrite and was told that you actually gain very little by putting a second set of brakes on a tandem. The bigger problem he sees it is that a lot of manufacturers install the brakes on the wrong axle.

The rotational torque applied to axles during braking shifts the equalizer and applies more weight to rear axle. If brakes are installed on the front axle, the wheel may skid during braking. Brakes on rear axle are more effective as the equalizers shifts and the rear tires dig in to the pavement.