bleed/replace brake fluid on a trailer?
#1
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bleed/replace brake fluid on a trailer?
Trailex open with surge brakes ...haven't replaced or bled the brake fluid in years (uh oh). All seems and works ok, but obviously I need to be on top of this. So what's the best way to do this, guys? Obviously my Motive won't work. I used to have a mityvac long ago ...time to get another one? Advice?
Edward
Edward
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Deep Downtown Carrier, OK
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I've always gravity bled my trailers here in Bugtussle. Jack the front up if that's where the m/c is. Just keep it topped off.
Wonder why the Motive wouldn't work with a rigged cap.
Wonder why the Motive wouldn't work with a rigged cap.
#3
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I have a Tie-Down hydraulic actuator on my trailer and it has a 1 3/16 inch diameter fill hole which Motive makes an adapter for. I just ordered it and will be trying it out later this week when it arrives. They make two adapters for trailers - you could measure yours and see if one will fit:
http://store.motiveproducts.com/clas...-1102-p26.aspx
http://store.motiveproducts.com/clas...-cap-p106.aspx
http://store.motiveproducts.com/clas...-1102-p26.aspx
http://store.motiveproducts.com/clas...-cap-p106.aspx
#5
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I don't want to futz with modding a cap for the motive. I guess I'll just use a mityvac ...they're kinda nice to have around. Thanks gents!!
Edward
Edward
#6
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I put the ball hitch in the trailer's hitch, remove the cap on the reservoir, open up one bleeder, attach a rubber tube to it and put it into a cup (this way, once the cup fills up a bit with fluid, and the tube is under that level, the brake cylinder will pull fluid back in - as opposed to air.)
Now, I just use the hitch as a lever and pump - push down and it squeezes fluid out of the bleeder; pull up and the level of the reservoir goes down. I do 3 pumps, then top off the reservoir (so it doesn't go dry and pump air through).
Repeat for about 4 or 5 top-offs and you're certain to have flushed the old fluid out. Now do the same for the other side.
I bleed my trailer brakes annually.
Now, I just use the hitch as a lever and pump - push down and it squeezes fluid out of the bleeder; pull up and the level of the reservoir goes down. I do 3 pumps, then top off the reservoir (so it doesn't go dry and pump air through).
Repeat for about 4 or 5 top-offs and you're certain to have flushed the old fluid out. Now do the same for the other side.
I bleed my trailer brakes annually.