Trailer brakes, need hlep...

[samw]

I was out looking at my trailer and decided to look at the oil level. Trailer brakes didn't seem to be working. I take of the cap to look at oil level, it appears to be fine then I start looking closer and what do I see rust on the in side of the master cyclinder .
So I stick my finger in and it appears to be water, It has a fail dot 3 smell and not very oily to the touch. So then I move to the wheel to take a look, so I take the tire off to find the the hub is a bit loose . At this point I about to scream.

1. How do I rectify the brake fluid/water issue. I tried pushing the acutater and I see nothing moving. So any thoughts.
2. I want to redo the wheel bearing how to find out what you need??

Thanks
Sam

[dogbert]

Well, it looks like it's time for new brakes. I had the same issue last year, although I suspect my brakes were no longer functioning for a lot longer.

I'm not sure if you just tow short distances, but I did. What happens is the brakes don't get a chance to dry out through normal use, so they rust.

Now I run to the gas station after pulling out the boat, so I know they get use and hopefully they will last longer. If you do replace the brakes, you might consider going to disk brakes.

[noworries]

1. How do I rectify the brake fluid/water issue. I tried pushing the acutater and I see nothing moving. So any thoughts.
2. I want to redo the wheel bearing how to find out what you need??

Thanks
Sam

Please either take it to a mechanic or have a friend whom you REALLY trust that knows how to work on brakes and wheel bearings help you. Its not hard, but these are mission critical parts and you can cause yourself and others real problems if you mess up.

[samw]

The trailer has disk brakes so that is good. I drive about 2 miles one way to the ramp. So not sure if that is far enough?
Any ideas on how to clear the water out of the system?

also where is a good place to get wheel bearings?

[samw]

Please either take it to a mechanic or have a friend whom you REALLY trust that knows how to work on brakes and wheel bearings help you. Its not hard, but these are mission critical parts and you can cause yourself and others real problems if you mess up.

Wheel bearing I am not conerned about as far as doing the work. I have replaced wheel bearing on the farm a lot. Just the brakes and getting what I thinks is water out of the system.

[Costigan]

You will most likely not know what you need for the wheel bearings until you have it apart. It's pretty easy. You can do an online search for instructions and pictures. BUT since you have to do the brakes anyway I would just have someone do it for you. Good Luck.

[samw]

Well I redid my bearing, and I can say holly crap they were not in good shape. All is good now.

Now I need to work on the brakes. It appears that I am going to have to replace the master cylinder. I am unable to get any fluid to pump out .
So I am off to find some #'s.

[fleetpaint]

can you open the bleeder screw on the brakes and let the water/fluid run out like you do w/a car system?

[spharis]

yes.

[samw]

One this is I am not getting any pressure from the master cylinder. I will try that also. Where would be a good place to get a master cylinder if I need one???

[spharis]

Couple of different types and much cheaper NOT from the builder. Do you have a picture?

[mtnsmith]

What make of trailer do you have? Depending on what type of coupler you have will vary what master cylinder you can get. I have found these people have pretty good prices, http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm

I also found that when I called Dorsey, the builder of my trailer, they were very friendly and helpful. Their prices for parts also weren't that much more so that might be an option.

[samw]

I am going to take it off tonight. I will take some pics.
Can anyone tell me after I get the master cylinder off could I put some air pressure into the line to see if the function of the claipers are still work?

Thanks

[samw]

Well I got the master cylinder off. Wow the bottom is just full of crap. I was able to put air presure into the line and get the brakes to stop a spinning wheel. So I think I am good there. The master cylinder say Atwook 171 on but I don't find that on the net anywhere. Any suggestion?

Thanks
Sam

[spharis]

Try Atwood.