Replacing master cylinder

[ccm14]

The master cylinder (Tie Down Engr.) on my boat trailer needs replacing and I had decided to just take the trailer to the boat dealer and have them install the master cylinder but come to find out that they can't buy just the master cylinder. They have to buy the whole actuator. Spoke to two dealers and was told the same thing.

I ordered the master cylinder from Champion Trailer and it should be here in a day or two so it looks like I will attempt the install myself. That brings me to my question. From reading on another forum I read that you need to bleed not only the brakes but the master cylinder and the solenoid as well. Is this true? If so, I would appreciate someone walking me through the steps of doing this.

I have bled the brakes (disk) before, so that is not a problem but have never bled a master cylinder or solenoid.

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Replacing master cylinder

Usually the master and wheel cylinders all fail simultaneously because of internal rust. Just changing the master rarely works. Fortunately wheel cylinders are cheap and easy to change. If I were you I'd go ahead and pick those up also.
You need to make one of these for about $20:
www.bmw-m.net/TechProc/bleeder.htm
Since you'll have a spare cap from your old master cylinder, all you'll need is the garden sprayer. Start at the furthest wheel cylinder from the master and work back. To bleed the solenoid (I assume it's a reverse lockout solenoid that's properly wired) hook the trailer to your truck and put in in reverse for a second or two with the master under pressure. Done.
It makes bleeding brakes so stupid easy you can do it a couple of times a year to help flush out any moisture and you won't be replacing masters and wheel cylinders again because of corrosion. I can do mine in 10 minutes now.

 

[2300max]

Re: Replacing master cylinder

Don't sweat it! It's not that hard since you've bled your brakes before with no problem. Tie Down has a website that you can download the instructions on how to bleed the brakes and master cylinder if they didn't ship it with master cylinder. Just follow the instructions you'll be fine. I've replaced my entire system and it wasn't bad and by the way I've done many brake jobs before but I wanted to make sure there were no surpises doing a trailer set up I followed the step by step instructions and they were dead on with the install.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Replacing master cylinder

Mine's WAY easier. Really.