Trailer brakes and Maintenance.

[CP3]

what brake fluid is recomemded for extreme trailers?

[Razzman]

I'll amost bet if you look on your master cylinder somewhere it will tell what brake fluid to use, everyone i've seen so far has.

[CP3]

ok cuz all my brake fluid disappeared thought the brakes werent working and looked in the resovior and nothing was in it do I need to bleed the brakes now or can I just put the fluid in?

[chpthril]

what brake fluid is recomemded for extreme trailers?

ok cuz all my brake fluid disappeared thought the brakes werent working and looked in the resovior and nothing was in it do I need to bleed the brakes now or can I just put the fluid in?

Look on the cap, but if in doubt, use DOT4.


Look at the inside of the brake wheels to see if the have fluid spun around them from a leaking cylinder/caliper, this is the most obvious. Next look under the coupler at the actuator/master cylinder for leaks. If no obvious signs of leaks, check the pad/show wear. When the friction material wears, the pistons expand and draw the fluid down.

If no leaks, no excessive wear, then refill, bleed, and keep an eye on it. Remember, your trailer made a 4k mile trip last year.

[CP3]

Ok went out and took a second look, and there is more fluid than I thought there was, only problem is I know my brakes arent working properly. I took my wiring out of the socket the other day and went flying in reverse no problem

[chpthril]

Ok went out and took a second look, and there is more fluid than I thought there was, only problem is I know my brakes arent working properly. I took my wiring out of the socket the other day and went flying in reverse no problem

Need to pull the wheels and inspect them, they may just need a cleaning and adjustment (they are drums right )

[CP3]

4 discs and it looks like the brakes arent squezing because there is rust on the brakes

[chpthril]

4 discs and it looks like the brakes arent squezing because there is rust on the brakes

Rotors can have a light film of rust develop if undriven in as little as a week, so that in it's self may not mean any thing, but, that could also point to a frozen actuator that is not sliding in the coupler.

[Razzman]

CP3, don't worry about the rust it's normal and occurs on all disc rotors, even your cars. Do this, once you've confirmed no leaks in the system then fill the master with fluid and using a floor jack and supports get the trailer up on one side. Have an assistant spin the wheels while you hand actuate the master and see if the calipers are working. If they are then your good on that side, check the other. If not then I'd drop it back down and bleed the brakes and try both sides again.