Surge Brakes - Should I replace?

[gibbywmu2000]

I have a 1997 22' Powerquest, with (I assume, since I bought it used in 2002) a 1997 Eagle Trailer. I dont believe the surge brakes (with 2 drum brakes) have ever worked, but I honestly dont really know. I have tried to refill the drum brake actuator twice with brake fluid, but I must have a leak in the system somewhere because it never stays full, plus it is quite rusty inside.

I do get the "clanking" noise when I start and stop which is part of the piston moving back and forth in the system, and apparently is normal, according to the Eagle Trailer website.

1) How would I actually know if the surge brakes were in even working or not? I pull the boat with a 2008 Silverado 4x4, and it pulls it well and doesnt seem to have any issues stopping, so I have no idea if the brakes are even working or not.

2) If the whole Drum Brake Actuator is shot, does that mean the drum brakes and brake lines in the system would be junk to? If so, how much would it cost to repair this, and would it be worth it?

3) Where could I take the trailer to get all this done? I would rather not rather take the time and do it myself, I'd rather pay someone and have it done right. Would I take it to a Meineke or any Auto Brakes place?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Surge Brakes - Should I replace?

1- Clanking Noise - First open up the brake acuator and see if there's brake fluid in there. If not and it's all rusty plan on replacing most of the braking system. If there is fluid- chances are the brakes work.

2- Braking effectiveness- Hard to tell if there working right. Pull a brake hub and look at the lining, if it's clean and shiny it's probably working, if everything is rusted tight, probably not.

3- If the brakes are shot have the replaced with disc brakes. They last a loooong time and require almost no maintenence. Plus there easy to rinse after a dunk.

4-To have it done find a local trailer company. Auto brake places are not ususally set up for trailer brakes; hate to get a 19 year old kid working on them getting his "I always wanted to work on trailer brakes" experience.

 

[nlain]

Re: Surge Brakes - Should I replace?

I just replaced the steel brake lines on my trailer, all had rusted at the ends where the nuts are, then bleed the system, I don't quite have all of the air out of the system yet, I am slightly applying the brakes but can still back up with them applied. Unless you are a mechanic and have the knowledge and tools required it will be better on you to let someone else fix it for you. I do have disc brakes and when they are right they work well.