TDE Brake Parts

Jeepster04

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 5, 2009
Messages
481
Decided to bleed the brakes on our 2006 trailer today. Im assuming it had never been done so it was time. Some odd things were happening when bleeding the brakes. Honestly not sure that the brakes were ever working correctly. I was able to remove one of the bleeder screws and the back side was dry.

Anyway, after putting a ratchet strap on the tongue to actuate the brakes I found there was no resistance on the right tire. Jacked it up and could easily spin it by hand. This wheel has always made a rubbing noise but I always thought it was a bent backing plate. After I removed the drum I found the little star wheel adjuster laying in the drum... so that was the noise. Part of it was missing and the threads are all screwed up anyway.

Im having trouble locating just the adjuster. Ive found a kit thats $34 plus shipping that comes with all of the springs n such. Not going to pay $44 shipped for a brake shoe adjuster. Anyone have any good sources for TDE parts? The drum says 10.09 on it so Im assuming its 10" drums.

How do I know what spindles I have? I would like to order some new seals, one is weeping grease. Also need the cap for the reservoir but they want $11 for it.. Think Ill cover it up with some gorilla tape...












Other side:

 

G_Hipster

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 24, 2016
Messages
131
When I was doing mine, I found it not much more money to get a loaded backing plate and bolt it on as opposed to piecing it out. Not familiar with TDE but the seals oftentimes have a # on them or a cheapy caliper will get you the measurements. Sounds like you're having a master cylinder problem, or a swollen line, or a leak. Even if the wheel cylinder was froze you should still get fluid back there. Vacuum pump works better. Could always walk into a Napa and see if they can match something up.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture that's why it needs the cap with the rubber seal not tape lol.
 
Last edited:

Jeepster04

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 5, 2009
Messages
481
Ill check prices for a loaded set.

I eventually got fluid to come out of the bleeder after working with it some. I cant expain why it worked like it did but after pumping the tongue several times fluid eventually came out. I was using a vacuum bleeder but it wasnt pulling fluid out like it normally does. Not sure if it was pulling air from around the bleeder threads or what. Either way, I think its bled. I was wondering if that wheel cylinder has had air in it all of this time. Something else may be going on and that caused the adjuster to fall out. We'll see

As for the cap. It has a small thin cap over the reservoir then another screw cap with an oring that seals the reservoir. Im needing the small thin cap that just keeps crap off the top of the reservoir.
 

Jeepster04

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 5, 2009
Messages
481
Ended up buying a set of adjusters from a place called libra trailer parts for $14 shipped. We'll see if they work.
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,588
I am assuming when you say TDE you mean TieDown Engineering for future reference.

Also, if you have a Tie Down Actuator, There is a slot usually on these where you can insert a screwdriver to move the master cylinder. I have one of these actuators and I use a Motive Pressure bleeder to bleed it. When this actuator fails, I will be replacing it with another brand. TieDown builds very low quality parts as you may have noticed.

https://www.championtrailers.com/tie...coupler-parts/
http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/c-264-brar-actuator-repair-tie-down-66-7000-8000.aspx
 
Last edited:

Jeepster04

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 5, 2009
Messages
481
Yes, TDE is tie down engineering.

Ill look for the slot for future reference. This is honestly the first time that Ive messed with surge brakes. Im not sure what brand the actuator is but if would surprise me if they used TDE drums and not a TDE actuator.

The adjusters came in over the weekend. I plan on seeing if they work this evening. The new part is a tid bit longer so I may need to cut it down some.
 
Top