Repairing Excessive Travel in Brake Actuator

This topic has 8 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 2 months ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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March 29, 2009 at 9:51 pm #420680

MNBen
Participant

My 2004 tandem trailer developed excessive travel in the actuator late last fall. When coming to stops it would excessively apply trailer brakes and when accelerating there was noticeable delayed “thud” when it extended again. Upon inspection it appears that fluid reservoir was/is full. I thought I remember a post regarding this issue last fall, but my search today has not been successful. My neighbor has suggested replacement of shock absorber in actuator, while coworkers have suggested more significant repair and bleeding of brake system. I just need some input and suggestions so that I can procure the proper parts to resolve this issue while impatiently waiting for the ice covered lakes to open up. Thanks in advance.

March 29, 2009 at 10:14 pm #420682

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Hey Ben I think that was me- Ward Heres what UFP told me- If I cannot apply/compress the actuator with my hand then there is no leak or hydraulic issue. If however I still have the thud then I need a new shock. I would press like heck on your actuator by hand and make sure you cant compress it. I had to have the air bled out of the system once and at that time I could compress the actuator by hand and also when I would disconnect from the boat the actuator would not push out easily once off of the ball- I called the UFP guys and when I predominately had good brake application but the big thud on taking off they recommended a change in the shock in my 04 that controls release of the actuator. Larry Morris and the boys at H20 fixed it right up! Works great. Now if someone would just buy my 04 wed be set! WardLast edited by clownshoes on March 29th, 2009, 10:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.C.O.D. Jr. III

March 30, 2009 at 2:33 am #420684

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It could be either and Ward has placed you with good information. BCB

March 31, 2009 at 12:52 am #420686

MNBen
Participant

Thanks Ward. I can compress the actuator approx 1/3 of the slide distance by hand. I guess I am looking forward to some brake maintenance activities… I will try to get in touch with UFP guys and see what they suggest. Thanks again.

March 31, 2009 at 1:25 am #420689

clownshoes
Participant

That sounds like air in the brake lines. Get someone to bleed it-C.O.D. Jr. III

March 31, 2009 at 1:29 am #420691

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Bleed it first as suggested. Save you some trouble if thats the fix.

March 31, 2009 at 1:30 am #420693

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Air is our guess…

April 5, 2009 at 11:03 pm #420695

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Hopefully this pic works: The UFP guys gave me a great list of what to do in regards to diagnosing my actuator. After removing old brake fluid, refilling with new brake fluid and priming the cylinder with screwdriver today, I noticed a small, wet drop of brake fluid on my garage floor by the rear right axle. The attached pic shows the brake line that connects the right and left trailer brakes is not attached… How do I best repair this? Thanks again.

April 6, 2009 at 12:54 am #420697

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It looks like there was no flare on the tubing? Or it may have broken off clean at the fitting for some reason. You should replace the brake line in total, or reflare it if you have a flaring tool? The length of line is not that critical as you can wrap a coil spiral around a large cylinder to use up extra line. BCB
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