Surge brake problems....

[youmansjason]

I really need some help with my hydraulic surge brakes. I have a 2007 tandem axle trailer with a Fulton A60 (6000 lb rating) surge actuator.

Basically, my brakes quit working. So, I thought I would try bleeding the lines, so used the method of attaching a hose to the bleeder valve and opened up the bleeder valve on the furthest away caliper. Then, when I push in the actuator rod with a screwdriver, it will depress in with very little resistance, but it won't come back out and no brake fluid came out of the bleeder valve. I thought I would need to push it in and out several times to build up pressure in the lines to bleed them out, but I can't get the rod to come back out.

Do I have a problem with my master cylinder or something? My trailer is only 3 years old and always used in freshwater.

 

[Pelletmonster]

Re: Surge brake problems....

1st question i got..

are they drum brakes or disc??

im gonna say either need new master cylinder or shock (if that fulton has one) check those and go from there..

 

[youmansjason]

Re: Surge brake problems....

Sorry, I forgot to mention they are disc brakes.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge brake problems....

How much brake fluid is in the master cylinder? Was it dry when you started?

The shock is not your problem.

 

[youmansjason]

Re: Surge brake problems....

The master cylinder was full (always has been) and as best I can tell, it is not contaminated with water or rust or anything.

I have a reverse solenoid (just the blocking kind) that's installed in-line about 3 feet back from the master cylinder. I disconnected the brake line from the out of the solenoid, and with the truck hooked up to the trailer, I tried backing in reverse and brake fluid shot out the back of the solenoid. So, there's not a blockage or anything that I am aware of.

 

[okboating]

Re: Surge brake problems....

I'm not sure on your specific master cylinder, but on ufp's you have to hold the emergency brake actuator in order to bleed the brakes. It is a 2 (really 3) handed job to hold that and bleed it at the same time.
Dave

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Surge brake problems....

If the res is full and no leaks, you can push the piston in and have fluid movement, the master cylinder is shot. rebuild or replace.