Troubleshooting Trailer Disc Brakes that Won't Activate Although Actuator Moves Fluid
Question:
1998 Loadrite Trailer 8500 Lb Cap. Had your disks brakes installed some years ago. Never worked. Dealer had no experience. Went to another shop , had brake lines done. Still No brakes. Decided to do it myself. Calipers look shot. Marking say 225. Im getting fluid back but no movement from the brakes. If they havent worked in 8 years Im thinking replacement would be first step. What you think?
asked by: Gus D
Helpful Expert Reply:
First step I would try is bleeding the brakes. It sounds like you have an air bubble that needs to just be worked out of the lines and then the brakes should start working again.
I attached a help article on bleeding trailer brakes too.
First top off the master cylinder with appropriate fluid. Next you will want to pump the fluid from the master cylinder. You can do this by unbolting the plate that holds the lever in place and then use that lever to actuate the master cylinder and force the fluid through. On some units, you will have to manually activate it at the point where the hitch ball moves in and out. The model in the video has a lever underneath the unit you could use to actuate it.
Next, find the bleeder valve and open it. Take a rubber hose and slide it onto the bleeder itself and run the other end to a clear container. Using a clear container will allow you to see if any air bubbles rise up during the process. No bubbles means no air and that the system is full of just fluid.
Start on the wheel cylinder closest to the T where it splits off. When you get clear fluid running out through your bleeder valve and no bubbles, you can go ahead and pull it back and hold it there and then shut off the bleeder valve. Continue from the closest wheel cylinder to the T and work your way back to front if you have a dual or triple axle trailer.
If that doesn't work let me know and we can get you some new calipers. Since yours say 225 that means they are Kodiak like the part # KDBC225DAC.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kodiak Disc Brake Caliper - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- 3500 lbs
- 6000 lbs
- Caliper Parts
- Caliper
- Kodiak
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How To Find Correct Replacement Disc Brakes, Rotors, Hubs, and Bearings for a Boat Trailer
- Q&A: How Does Reverse Lock Out Solenoid of Titan Surge Actuator Get Wired
- Q&A: Surge Brake Actuator Recommendation for a Boat and Trailer that Weigh 2,200 lbs
- Q&A: Can 7k Titan Disc Brake Actuator be Used with 6k Trailer Disc Brakes
- Q&A: Can You Reverse With Brake Actuator T47457207K And The Brakes Not Lockup
- Shop: Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard
- Shop: Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Search Results: 7 pin trailer wiring harness
- Shop: Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Disc - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Premier Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brakes - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs - E-Z Lube
- Search Results: 46304
- Q&A: Country of Origin for Kenda Karrier ST225/75R15 Trailer Tire
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: 25580
- Search Results: equalizer
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: safety chains
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation