My trailer tongue is leaking - The Hull Truth

vettnman · 10-08-2008, 07:33 PM

I'm thinking that the surge actuator on my trailer is leaking brake fluid. I just picked my boat up from the shop and after unhooking it from my truck, I noticed a puddle of brake fluid under the trailer tongue. My question is would this be something fairly simple to fix or is it something that i should just let the shop handle. A minor repair or replace the whole tongue section? Below are some pics. You can clearly see the brake fluid leaking. I'm guessing a seal is starting to leak.

okletsfish · 10-09-2008, 05:28 AM

Most likely the master cylinder is leaking .It`s not hard to replace.Some master cylinders don`t come with a new push rod so check the condition of yours before ordering.After you complete the install all you have to do is bleed the system.

rwidman · 10-09-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

okletsfish - 10/9/2008 7:28 AM

Most likely the master cylinder is leaking .It`s not hard to replace.Some master cylinders don`t come with a new push rod so check the condition of yours before ordering.After you complete the install all you have to do is bleed the system.

By the visibility of the free backing solenoid in the photo, we can assume the trailer has disc brakes so it's important to get a replacement cylinder with the check valve removed so he doesn't have to post next week about his brakes overheating.

The entire actuator (a disc brake actuator) is not much more than $100.00 and replacing it is far simpler than replacing the master cylinder. Especially for someone without a lot of experience.

bluewaterpirate · 10-09-2008, 12:44 PM

Looks like a Tie Down Model 66 or 80. Here's the cost of a master cylinder.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productI D=9230

If you were to replace the entire actuator ..... this comes with the backup solenoid installed inside the actuator.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productI D=6147&categoryID=150

I have the tie Down Model 80 (rated at 8000 lbs) installed on my LoadRite.

rwidman · 10-09-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

bluewaterpirate - 10/9/2008 2:44 PM

Looks like a Tie Down Model 66 or 80. Here's the cost of a master cylinder.

No disrespect meant to the OP, but if he is having trouble finding a leak, I wouldn't suggest that he attempt to replace the master cylinder himself.

bluewaterpirate · 10-09-2008, 02:35 PM

I agree ...... I was just giving him some data points to make his decision. I would seriously consider replacing the whole actuator.

vettnman · 10-09-2008, 04:21 PM

I plan on replacing the entire actuator. I know what I don't know. I was quoted a price from road king today of $209. I got that same price from 2 dealers so.... I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and spend $209. I was expecting around $100-$130

rwidman · 10-09-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

vettnman - 10/9/2008 6:21 PM

I plan on replacing the entire actuator. I know what I don't know. I was quoted a price from road king today of $209. I got that same price from 2 dealers so.... I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and spend $209. I was expecting around $100-$130

Road King buys the actuator from the manufacturer. Look at the links above to buy it for less.