Troubleshooting HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brake Actuator Brake Pressure
Question:
I have a tri-axle disk brake boat trailer. The hydrostar actuator had been working fine until last trip home of the season. Unit will run when braking but does not have distinct whine as it builds pressure. Braking is either completely compromised or significantly reduced. My question is this an internal component failure? Can the unit be sent in for repair? Or am I better off replacing unit?
asked by: Joel
Expert Reply:
The HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # HBA16 does not have replacement parts available. It sounds like there may be an issue with the electric output of your brake controller not making it to the unit. You can check this using a multimeter like # PT89ZR. The 5 o'clock pin of your trailer connector should deliver 12V power when using the manual override on your controller. This will adjust incrementally as it is activated and you can also test this at the brake controller wire going into your actuator. If you are getting appropriate power, that is one thing to rule out. If not, the issue could be the brake controller itself, a short in the wiring, or a bad connection. To test your controller test the blue wire of your brake controller under the dash while hitting the manual override.
I definitely recommend checking your electrical connections before replacing the unit. Since this is a new occurrence the electrical connections may have built up corrosion or debris that is impacting the connection and thus the function. I recommend using some steel wool or sand paper to clean the connections on the vehicle connector as well as the trailer connector. Then use some dielectric grease like # 11755 to keep moisture and debris out of the connection.
If that doesn't solve your issue, check the ground connection to make sure it is free of moisture and debris. If all this checks out, then you can either contact the manufacturer for repair options or replace the unit.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
more information >
Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display
- Electrical Tools
- Testers
- Multimeter
- Yellow
- Performance Tool
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- 1600 psi
- Disc Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
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