How to Bleed the Brakes on a 1988 Correct Craft Trailer

Question:

Please see picture attached of existing coupler on 1988 Correct Craft trailer. Bolt holes are 3” apart. Do you think the Titan will fit in the same holes? It would be nice if I didn’t have to drill new ones! How hard is it to bleed the brake lines? I will also need to order this part #ALL648591 to bleed the lines, correct? Are the parts to attach the fluid line from master cylinder on coupler to fluid line on trailer included?

asked by: Mike

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, if the bolt holes on your trailer measure 3" apart on center then the Titan Leverlock Brake Actuator part # T43397007K should work for you without having to drill any new holes. The bleeding process for the brakes is not hard but it will take a bit of time. The Powerbuilt Brake Bleeder part # ALL648591 is not required but will make life easier. I have attached the instructions for you below in addition to a video.

Remove the master cylinder cap and fill the reservoir to three quarters full with DOT-3 brake fluid. DO NOT allow brake fluid to contact painted surfaces since it will damage the finish. Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the area with water.

If you choose to manually bleed the system, an assistant makes the job easier. Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle and hook the safety chains (NOT the actuator breakaway cable) together to form a loop. The loop should be centered below the actuators coupler.

Place a sturdy board such as a 2 x 4 into the safety chain loop below the coupler. The board should be four feet long or more so it will extend well above the actuator. Position the board to press against the front end of the actuator’s coupler and use it to force the coupler case into the actuators outer housing. This pumps the brake fluid into the trailer braking system. Manually pull the coupler case back to fully extended position and repeat the process.

When the air bubbling stops inside the master cylinder, install a bleeder hose on the bleeder screw of the first wheel cylinder to be bled. Start with the rear axle on tandem axle trailers. Submerge the other end of the hose in a glass container of brake fluid so that air bubbles can be observed. Open the bleeder screw one turn before pushing the coupler case in. When the coupler is pushed completely in, the bleeder screw should be closed to prevent air from being pulled back into the system. Air trapped in the brake lines will greatly reduce your braking efficiency. Repeat this process until no more bubbles are released with each stroke. Be sure to close the bleeder screw securely.

Repeat the bleeding operation at each wheel cylinder. During the bleeding process, replenish the brake fluid so the level does not fall below half full level in the master cylinder reservoir. When bleeding is complete, fill the reservoir to within 3/8 inches of the top. Install the filler cap securely.