Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

[rasnattydred]

Bought our boat with trailer last year June and just now checked the surge-brakes brake fluid and the inside is completely rusted and flaky with a small residue of brake fluid remaining. I ordered a new actuator and plan on installing it and bleeding the brakes. Is that enough or is this situation worse than I think? We have been towing it with a xterra just fine since summer started. Advice?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

The actuator is probably not the problem. You have a leak somewhere in the brake system. Most likely at one of the wheels, in a wheel cylinder. Fix your leak, before you go replacing the acuator.

 

[nlain]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

I have surge disc brakes on my trailer, I recently had to replace all of the lines on the trailer, they had all rusted and started leaking at the ends of the lines right at the line nut. Just some thing for you to check. In my case the disc brake calipers were good and I caught it before the master cylinder got empty.

 

[rasnattydred]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

The actuator is probably not the problem. You have a leak somewhere in the brake system. Most likely at one of the wheels, in a wheel cylinder. Fix your leak, before you go replacing the acuator.

Well, the fluid container in the actuator is completely rusted and flaky so keeping that and filling it up with brake fluid just seems wrong since all the rust would get into the brake fluid, that is why I ordered the new actuator.
Its a 1997 trailer and boat.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

That is how mine was when I first bought the boat. New acuator and new wheel cylinders and it has been working fine since. I thought about the lines but they seemed fine with no leaks so now I check them throughout the season for any signs of leakage.

 

[rasnattydred]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

That is how mine was when I first bought the boat. New acuator and new wheel cylinders and it has been working fine since. I thought about the lines but they seemed fine with no leaks so now I check them throughout the season for any signs of leakage.

What exactly are the wheel cylinders? Can i change those myself?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

Yes you can...they are easy. If it is a drum brake, they are usually just 2 bolts and remove and replace the brake line.
http://www.championtrailers.com/DRUM BRAKE COMPONENTS.htm

 

[nlain]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

What exactly are the wheel cylinders? Can i change those myself?

Here is some info that may help you, videos on wheel bearings, brakes and wiring on trailers.

http://www.etrailer.com/tvc-16-Trailer-Service.html

 

[rasnattydred]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

Thanks for the advice guys

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

Good luck

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Surge-brake fluid container empty and rusty

Depending on the model actuator you have, you can replace just the master cylinder. I had the same issue with my 'new' trailer which has a Dico model 10 actuator. Master cylinder, $75, new actuator, $350-400. Trailerpartsdepot has exploded view breakdowns so you can order the right parts.