Troubleshooting a Dico 60 Hydraulic Surge Brake Actuator with Only 1 Drum Locking Up

Question:

I have the Dico 60 hydraulic surge brakes on my boat trailer. 1 metal lines splits to 2 lines on the axle going to drum brakes. Only 1 side is locking down. What could it be? How do I check if its just 1 of the brake cylinders locking up?

asked by: Frank T

Expert Reply:

There are a few things that could be causing this issue on your brakes.

First thing I would check for would be a clog in the brake lines. To do this you will want to bleed the brakes.

Second thing it could be is a bad wheel cylinder which would recommend replacing with either the # AKBRKR-H7-R (right hand side) or # AKBRKR-H7-L (left hand side).

Lastly your breaks not locking up could be due to if grease has gotten on the brake shoes. If any grease gets on the inside of the drum or on the brake shoe pads then the braking would be weak. On the brake drum you would clean out all the grease. But the brake shoes would likely have to be replaced because you will never be able to get all of the grease out of them.

expert reply by: Jackie C