Trailer brake bleeding and maintenance

[cyclone]

Since Festivus brought up the subject, I decided to do a little maintenance on my trailer brakes. First up is bleeding the system. This is described in detail in the Trailer Maintenance document on the How TO page. The surge brake actuator assembly including the master cylinder is made by Trailer Buddy products.

I'll post some pics when I'm done, but here's the contact info for Trailer Buddy in case you need parts for the surge brake actuator.

The calipers and pads are off a '91 Plymouth Acclaim, but the pads have galvanized backing plates so don't use Autozone generic replacement pads. Get them from Ameratrail.

[festivus]

on the subject...when my actuator stopped working my brakes locked on, which caused a severe heat issue, and the little rubber seal on the rear two hubs melted off.  I am assuming that this seal keeps the grease in the bearings?  So if it is gone, it could be bad.  I can post a pic if that will help.  Also, the trailer shop guy deactivated my actuator so that I could pull the trailer around, but he doesn't seem too anxious to call me with the rebuild kit. 

[sailtl]

Call the trailer manufacture Amera Trail at 407-892-1100 or fax 407-892-1228. I talked to Angie. Prompt and courteous service. Answered my questions and good pricing on parts.

[cyclone]

I put Bearing Buddies on my tandem axle trailer last night. Model 1980SS. I removed the factory grease fittings, the new pieces fit perfectly. NO MORE GREASE ON MY WHEELS!!

[phenom_1819]

I was told it wasn't possible.  Dammit...

[cyclone]

I don't understand why they wouldn't work. I towed about 60 miles round trip today, no grease splatter and bearings didn't get hot.

[cyclone]

One thing, single axle trailers require an adaptor ring for them to fit. Lesman's trailer has them.

[breakawaydaze]

Pete,

Man, I am tires of all the grease flying all over everything.  It seems like if you keep the bearings greased, you have to put up with them squirting grease all over everything while driving down the road!  How much time did it take to install the bearing buddies?  What was involved?  Are you still having good results?

[breakawaydaze]

Never mind, looks like you just hammer them on!  Still interested in how they are working!

[cyclone]

totally clean, no grease on my wheels as of tonight. I am towing the boat to NC next week, 500 miles, I'll let you know how things go there but so far so good.