fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

[boataway]

thanks to the input on this forum, I got new drum brakes, hubs, and bearings . I bled the driver's side (farthest from the coupler) just fine. brake works and holds the wheel nice and tight (for the first time since I've owned the trailer!). When it came time to do the passenger's side, heres what I experienced:

When first pushing on the coupler, it was REALLY hard, almost impossible to loosen the nipple thing to let the fluid out. So I'd have to start loosening almost before the coupler was being pushed. Despite doing it many times, I never got any fluid to come out. Also, it seemed like the coupler wouldn't really move as well.

Thoughts?

need the boat out of the water by the end of the month and i'm freaking out a bit. can I use it like this?

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

If the coupler is hard to push then its a sign that the fluid is blocked from getting to the brake that's the nipple is open on it. so the pressure is going to the other wheel better to fix it correctly. If the flex pipe has not been replaced then I would suggest removing the end going to the brakes and see if you can push fluid through the pipe. Flex pipes are know problems for failing internally and blocking flow. If the pipe is not the problem then you can try a new bleed nipple as that may be plugged.

 

[boataway]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

If the coupler is hard to push then its a sign that the fluid is blocked from getting to the brake that's the nipple is open on it. so the pressure is going to the other wheel better to fix it correctly. If the flex pipe has not been replaced then I would suggest removing the end going to the brakes and see if you can push fluid through the pipe. Flex pipes are know problems for failing internally and blocking flow. If the pipe is not the problem then you can try a new bleed nipple as that may be plugged.

Thanks for the quick reply Glenn. I'm not used working on brakes.

How do I do this? Do I have to take the flex pipe off from the brake side and then pump the coupler to see if fluid comes out?

Am I right that the flex pipe is the rubber section (about one foot long) that goes from the stainless T out "the last mile"? Can I get this (and the nipple) just anywhere? I stopped at 7 different places today looking for an inner grease seal... no luck so I had to order it at etrailer.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

Just remove the bleed nipple and work the brakes. If fluid comes out, it's the nipple. If no fluid, remove the flex hose (rubber) and try it. Also, make sure the metal tube from the "T" to the flex hose isn't crusher. When you do get it all working, bleed the other side again.

 

[boataway]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

good point. start at the end and work backwards. Can I get these two parts in question at any ol' parts store? wondering if i need to go ahead and order it online if I can't get round here.

is it safe to go ~9 miles with boat having only one brake working like I have? I imagine it's going to tend to pull to the side some when braking....

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

Yeah it will try to pull to one side but you can manage it just be careful, the trailer is still going to get direction from the towing vehicle, the more likely situation is that the one side will likely just lock up so again be careful and anticipate the trailers actions you will be fine.

You may be able to find the parts you need to replace at a quality auto parts store but its hard to say for sure, I know I would be able to since I have great Auto parts stores in my area, we have a lot of Home Mechanics around here.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

The brake bleeder screw (official name) can be found at auto parts stores. I found them at AutoZone for order, but Advance has stock at my local store. I'm sure the rubber hose is the same. Call some of your local stores and take the nipple and hose with you.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

you can get the parts at most stores but you will have to take the parts in as they match the threads at the store.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

As a tip. If you have to bleed brakes on your own especially if you need to change the fluids I like to take a plastic bottle then drill the cap so a piece of clear hose will fit in the hole tight. Next cut the bottom out of the bottle then add a few holes with a string between them. Hang the bottle, cap down above the level of the brakes by the string then attach to the bleed nipple and add a splash of brake fluid in the bottle. Open the brake nipple and pump the coupler and oil will be pushed up into the bottle (air rises so that will vent and the fluid acts as a check valve as its easier to get fluid from the coupler reservoir than it is to suck it all the way back down the brake system). Once you stop seeing bubbles going up the tube the brake is bleed so close the nipple. Keep a eye on the reservoir level while doing this.

 

[boataway]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

Good tip! I might try that.... The wife would love to not have to help bleed brakes anymore!

Have a picture of your setup?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

its also possible that the hole under the bleed nipple is plugged with dirt/rust in the brake wheel cylinder. after you remove the bleed nipple check that and if plugged clean it out. once I had to use a small drill bit it was plugged so badly. but be very careful you don't damage the threads or the wheel cylinder.

 

[Bondo]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

its also possible that the hole under the bleed nipple is plugged with dirt/rust in the brake wheel cylinder. after you remove the bleed nipple check that and if plugged clean it out. once I had to use a small drill bit it was plugged so badly. but be very careful you don't damage the threads or the wheel cylinder.

Ayuh,.... Ditto that,....

I take the bleed screw completely Out, 'n clean it with a drill bit, by hand, both the long way, 'n the cross hole at the bottom of it,...

 

[boataway]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

bleeder screw was good. Once removed it fluid still wouldn't flow. took the flex hose out and then I had flow. My intent was to buy new flexs today, but now you guys have a good point. It might be at the hub. even though it's brand spanking new, it might be plugged. I think I'm going to get new flex hoses for both sides anyways. they're still the original...

 

[boataway]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

I'm having a really hard time finding the part from a local car parts store. Loadrite said I need this:
Load Rite Trailers, Inc :: Braking Components :: Brake Lines :: BRAKE-LINE:FLEX.HOSE ASY,24"

anyone have an equivallentautomotive part number?

I've gone in to a bunch of auto parts stores and unless I can provide them with a vehicle make and model (can't since it's a trailer), they don't seem to be able to help me. One guy even laughed at me!

 

[mrmr56]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

Go to the Brakequip website and they will have a list of dealers nationwide. They can build you a set of brake hoses out of regular brake hose or Teflon stainless in just a couple of minutes.

 

[boataway]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

Admittedly I’m not the best at finding things. But I could not find anything to get me local dealers.

I found a trailer/RV place nearby and they had the part only a few inches shorter. I think it should do. If anyone's in the Northern Virginia area, look up Restless Wheels in Manassas. They seemed like reasonable people with a great selection of everything towable. It was fun to look in the RVs too. That's my next aquisition.....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

You might just have a bad wheel cylinder.

 

[limitout]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

bleeder screw was good. Once removed it fluid still wouldn't flow. took the flex hose out and then I had flow. My intent was to buy new flexs today, but now you guys have a good point. It might be at the hub. even though it's brand spanking new, it might be plugged. I think I'm going to get new flex hoses for both sides anyways. they're still the original...

yep, always replace both as a set because if one is blocked the other is swollen too and only a matter of time before its blocked.

its not a bad idea to replace the hoses just as a precaution being they are over 5 years old and the system does have issues. I have seen some hoses cut in half and its like looking at a rubber cord with no hole to be seen

your caliper may have rust and its blocked up but its easy to check by reconnecting the hose and disconnect it from the caliper, if it flows its the caliper that's blocked and it needs rebuilding / replacing

 

[bruceb58]

Re: fluid won't bleed/flow on one side

your caliper may have rust and its blocked up but its easy to check by reconnecting the hose and disconnect it from the caliper, if it flows its the caliper that's blocked and it needs rebuilding / replacing

He has drum brakes and they are new.

thanks to the input on this forum, I got new drum brakes, hubs, and bearings .