Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

[Hogger]

This is about a 1993 Escort trailer with surge brakes.
I was going through the bleeding process. Got one side done, and moved to the next side, while trying to pump the brakes, it was VERY stiff. Then I heard a little "ting" and it was fairly easy to pump.
I figured something was up, so I did an inspection, and found that while trying to pump the brakes, something inside the hub popped off on the side I just finished.
When I pulled the hub off, the spring was in the little cylinder on the hub, and the other three parts were resting on the bottom, that's what the "ting" sound was. Then the fluid leaked all over inside the hub.

I need some help figuring out which order they go back on. And the bigger half doughnut rubber piece has a little tear in it. I assume this is bad, and should replace it.

 

[Josh P]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

thats from the wheel cylinder.. something was causing them to stick i would just replace both of them and re-bleed

 

[Mark42]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

Yes, I think Josh has the answer. The piston should not have blown out unless there was a failure in the cylinder. Replace both and be safe.

 

[Hogger]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

I'm a little confused. And feeling a little stupid.
I don't work at Midas, but I have a basic understanding of brakes. Surge brakes are new to me, but I'm pretty sure something is missing here.
When I took the hub off, what you see in the first picture was all there is. Shouldn't there be some springs, shoes, arms, etc. attached to the cylinder for brakes to slow the vehicle?

 

[kmarine]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

Replace either the Cylander or the whole backing plate> if your shoes are due for replacment I purchased the pair with a complete set for under $100. I also recomend spending $25 on a vacume bleeder. Surge breaks are more dificult to bleed than automotive as air tends to backflow through bleeder screw. I also recomend regular bleeding (semi anual) do you trailer allot. surge breaks only work well when properly maintained. (most are not) Save lots of headaches

 

[Mark42]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

I'm a little confused. And feeling a little stupid.
I don't work at Midas, but I have a basic understanding of brakes. Surge brakes are new to me, but I'm pretty sure something is missing here.
When I took the hub off, what you see in the first picture was all there is. Shouldn't there be some springs, shoes, arms, etc. attached to the cylinder for brakes to slow the vehicle?

Yep, there should be. I thought you stripped it down yourself! Should look like regular drum brake behind the drum. So it appears someone took out all the parts. Maybe because they didn't like the surge brakes kicking in when backing up, but that is a matter of adjustment.

Anyway, you should be able to get all the missing parts here: http://www.easternmarine.com/Hydraulic-Trailer-Brake-Assemblies/

 

[Hogger]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

I thought something was missing.
Wow that's embarrassing.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

Go here and buy the whole assembly

http://www.championtrailers.com/

 

[Josh P]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

ya sorry about that i thought you stripped them down as well, my bad for ASSUMING. Ya im surprised they didnt pop sooner. but ya if its that bad i would do as suggested and replace backing plate and all maybe check on a master cylinder rebuild if the fluid inside looked iffy.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes



What a dopey thing to do (removing the brake guts and not bothering to tell you)!

 

[starcraftkid]

Re: Need help fixing Escort trailer brakes

You should see something like this in there: