Otis Singleton
Bleeding your electric hydraulic trailer brakes is a necessary procedure to ensure your brakes are functioning properly. This process involves removing air from your brake lines, which can be done manually or with a power bleeder. It is recommended to bleed your brakes about once a year or every 12,000 miles, and it typically requires two people to complete the task. The process involves filling the reservoir with new brake fluid, opening the bleeder screw, and repeating this process for each brake until all brakes have been bled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to bleed brakes | When first installed, after maintenance, or about every 12 months or 12,000 miles |
| Number of people required | 2 |
| Tools required | Screwdriver or bleeding tool, sturdy board (e.g. 2x4), plastic tubing, container |
| First steps | Remove key from breakaway switch, fill reservoir with new brake fluid, remove master cylinder cap and fill reservoir to three-quarters full with brake fluid |
| Next steps | Start with the brake furthest from the actuator, open the bleeder screw, monitor fluid level in the reservoir, place plastic tubing over the end of the bleeder screw and place the other end into a container |
| Final steps | Close the bleeder screw and move to the next brake, repeat the process until all brakes have been bled, fill the reservoir to within 3/8 inches of the top, install the filler cap securely |
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What You'll Learn
When to bleed your brakes
Bleeding your brakes is an essential procedure to ensure the safety and efficiency of your trailer's braking system. Here are some key scenarios when you should bleed your brakes:
Installation or Replacement of Parts
When you first install new hydraulic brakes, it is necessary to bleed them. Similarly, if you replace any components within your hydraulic system, such as the caliper, actuator, lines, or fittings, bleeding the brakes is crucial to remove any introduced air from the brake lines.
Maintenance Interval
It is recommended to bleed your brakes periodically, approximately every 12 months or after every 12,000 miles of usage. This preventive measure helps eliminate any accumulated air in the system, ensuring optimal brake performance.
Spongy or Ineffective Brakes
If your brakes feel spongy or are not responding firmly when applied, it could indicate the presence of air in the brake system. In such cases, bleeding the brakes is necessary to restore their functionality.
Initial Break-in Period
When you install new brakes, they typically require a break-in period to "burnish" the brakes. This process involves making 15 to 20 stops while pulling the trailer to allow the shoes to wear fully into the drum. After this break-in period, it is advisable to adjust the brakes and bleed the system to ensure maximum performance.
Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes
If your electric trailer brakes exhibit unusual behaviour, such as locking up when in reverse, it could be due to incorrect installation or other underlying issues. Bleeding the brakes in such cases might be necessary, along with checking the wiring and consulting a professional for further diagnostics.
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How to bleed without a compatible brake controller
Bleeding your trailer brakes without a compatible brake controller is possible, but you cannot use the Primus brake controller as it will not work sufficiently to properly bleed the trailer brakes. You will need a 12-volt battery and follow the steps outlined below:
First, fill the reservoir with new brake fluid. It is important to never reuse brake fluid that has been salvaged or removed from another system. Ensure you do not let the reservoir fall below half full during the bleeding process, as air can get sucked in and you will have to start over.
Next, remove the key from the breakaway switch to start the unit. Start with the brake furthest from the actuator.
Now, open the bleeder screw and allow it to remain open until you see brake fluid that is free of air bubbles. Close that bleeder screw and move to the next brake, repeating this process until all brakes have been bled. During this process, monitor the fluid level in the reservoir to prevent more air from being pumped into the brake lines due to a low fluid level.
To prevent spilling brake fluid on the ground, place one end of a length of plastic tubing over the end of the bleeder screw and place the other end into a container so that the fluid flow can be monitored for bubbles.
Finally, connect the power and ground wires for the electric-over-hydraulic actuator to the 12-volt battery as normal. To make the actuator run to bleed the brakes, touch the blue brake output wire to the positive battery post, simulating power output from the brake controller.
It is recommended that you bleed your brakes about every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Alternatively, if you are unable to access the actuator with a screwdriver, you can disconnect the trailer from the vehicle and hook the trailer safety chains together to form a loop, then use a sturdy board to force the coupler case into the actuator's outer housing, simulating braking.
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The manual bleeding process
Manually bleeding your electric hydraulic trailer brakes typically requires two people: one at the actuator and one at the bleeder valve on the brake. Here is a step-by-step guide for the manual bleeding process:
- Remove the master cylinder cap and fill the reservoir with new brake fluid to about three-quarters full. Do not reuse brake fluid that has been salvaged or removed from another system.
- Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle.
- Hook the trailer safety chains together to form a loop centred below the coupler.
- Place a sturdy board, such as a 2x4, through the safety chain loop. The board should be at least 4 feet long so that it extends well above the actuator.
- Position the board against the front end of the actuator's coupler and use it to force the coupler case into the actuator's outer housing. This process simulates actual braking and will pump brake fluid into the trailer's hydraulic system.
- Pull the coupler case back so it's fully extended, and repeat this process until 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 brake furthest from the actuator (usually 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 and allow it to remain open until you see brake fluid that is free of air bubbles.
- Close the bleeder screw securely and move to the next brake. Repeat this process for each wheel cylinder.
- During the bleeding process, monitor the fluid level in the reservoir and replenish the brake fluid as needed to ensure the level does not fall below half full.
- Once all brakes have been bled, fill the reservoir to within 3/8 inches of the top and install the filler cap securely.
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Troubleshooting
Problem: Insufficient Fluid Flow to Calipers
- Check: Ensure that the wiring of the actuator and brake controller is correct. Improper wiring can disrupt the flow of brake fluid and impede the bleeding process.
- Solution: Refer to the diagrams or instructions provided by the manufacturer to verify the correct wiring configuration. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper wiring.
Problem: Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator Cycles On and Off
- Check: Verify that the wiring of the actuator and brake controller is correct.
- Solution: Consult the diagrams or seek guidance from the manufacturer to troubleshoot this issue effectively.
Problem: Inaccessible Bleeder Screws
- Check: Inspect the clearance between the bleeder screw and the trailer frame. In some cases, the limited space may hinder your ability to access the screw.
- Solution: Try raising the trailer from the frame or adjusting the suspension to gain better access to the bleeder screw. This can provide the necessary clearance for tool manoeuvrability.
Problem: Inability to Remove Bleeder Screws
- Check: Ensure that you are using the correct tools and techniques to remove the bleeder screws. In some cases, they may be tightly secured or seized.
- Solution: Try using a specialised tool, such as a wrench, vise grips, or a bolt extractor, to carefully loosen and remove the bleeder screws. If necessary, consult a professional for further assistance.
Problem: Inconsistent Brake Performance in Reverse
- Check: Assess whether the brakes have been recently installed.
- Solution: Ensure that the brakes are installed correctly. In some cases, the issue may be due to the brakes being installed backwards. Consider replacing the brakes if the issue persists.
Problem: Incompatible Brake Controller
- Check: Verify the compatibility of your brake controller with the electric hydraulic trailer brakes. Some controllers, like the Primus, may not work effectively for bleeding trailer brakes.
- Solution: Use a 12-volt alternative to properly bleed the trailer brakes. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible brake controllers.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when working on trailer brakes. If you are unsure about any aspect of the troubleshooting or repair process, seek assistance from a qualified professional.
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Safety precautions
Bleeding your electric hydraulic trailer brakes is a necessary procedure to ensure your brakes function properly. However, it is important to take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and your equipment. Here are some detailed safety instructions to follow when performing this task:
- Always wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, to shield yourself from any escaping brake fluid.
- Ensure you have the correct tools for the job. You will need a screwdriver or bleeding tool, a sturdy board (such as a 2x4), a container to catch brake fluid, and plastic tubing.
- Before beginning, spray your backing plate assemblies with a rust-resistant spray to prevent corrosion if they come into contact with brake fluid.
- Do not reuse brake fluid. Always use new, uncontaminated brake fluid to fill your reservoir.
- Never look directly into the reservoir while pumping the push rod, as fluid can squirt out and cause injury.
- Avoid spilling brake fluid on painted surfaces, as it will damage the finish. Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the area with water.
- During the bleeding process, monitor the fluid level in the reservoir. Ensure it does not fall below half full to prevent air from being sucked into the brake lines.
- When using a screwdriver or bleeding tool, insert it into the access hole and push against the push rod using small strokes. Do not apply excessive force.
- If you need to raise the trailer, use a safe method to do so and ensure the trailer is securely supported.
- Always refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your specific electric hydraulic brake system. Different brands may have varying requirements for the bleeding process.
- Ensure you have a clear and well-lit work area and that all components are easily accessible.
- Do not perform this task if you are fatigued or under the influence of any substances that may impair your judgment or reflexes.
- It is recommended to have an assistant to help with the bleeding process, particularly when manually bleeding the brakes.
By following these safety precautions, you can help ensure a safe and successful bleeding procedure for your electric hydraulic trailer brakes.
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