Is this brake actuator salvagable?

[paleus]

Got a new to us 2016 AR240 at the end of the summer.

The brakes are not working. We towed it a few times as it is and didn't have any trouble but a winter project is to get the trailer back into shape.

Here's what the brake fluid reservoir looks like:






Bone dry and some crud in there.

Is this salvageable or do I just need to get a whole new actuator?

Everything moves freely in the actuator and the shock is still damping the movement.

 

[TeeNGee]

How much for a new actuator?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Got a new to us 2016 AR240 at the end of the summer.

The brakes are not working. We towed it a few times as it is and didn't have any trouble but a winter project is to get the trailer back into shape.

Here's what the brake fluid reservoir looks like:


View attachment 240125

View attachment 240126

Bone dry and some crud in there.

Is this salvageable or do I just need to get a whole new actuator?

Everything moves freely in the actuator and the shock is still damping the movement.

No, not salvageable.

Go onto the trailer parts superstore and you can pick one up there. They’re about 350 bucks.

 

[paleus]

No, not salvageable.

Go onto the trailer parts superstore and you can pick one up there. They’re about 350 bucks.

Found it for $280 on Amazon:

A-60 Brake Actuator

 

[dgfreeze]

First off, no not salvageable. At least not "reasonably" salvageable. Now, food for thought: if you've ever considered upgrading to electric over hydraulic, now is the time. It's a better system, no "slamming" on starts and stops, and you're able to control the amount of braking force applied from the drivers seat. It does require a brake controller, though.

 

[paleus]

First off, no not salvageable. At least not "reasonably" salvageable. Now, food for thought: if you've ever considered upgrading to electric over hydraulic, now is the time. It's a better system, no "slamming" on starts and stops, and you're able to control the amount of braking force applied from the drivers seat. It does require a brake controller, though.

I'm not opposed to that. Do you have a list of parts needed to convert it?

 

[dgfreeze]

You do your own research, and make the decision for yourself, but I like the Hydrastar 381-7067. Now, I want to make sure you’re aware, this system requires the tow vehicle to have a brake controller, as well as a 12volt constant hot wire in the vehicle plug. Both commonly part of any vehicles tow package.

 

[paleus]

You do your own research, and make the decision for yourself, but I like the Hydrastar 381-7067. Now, I want to make sure you’re aware, this system requires the tow vehicle to have a brake controller, as well as a 12volt constant hot wire in the vehicle plug. Both commonly part of any vehicles tow package.

Thanks. Yes, my truck has a brake controller.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I saw this one on the wake boats at the outdoor show…I like it because it’s compact and can integrate with the system that’s already on our boat trailers.

TITAN BrakeRite Electric / Hydraulic Disc Brake Actuator #4813100

Stock# 5237007Electric over Hydraulic Trailer Disc brake actuator is compatible with all vehicle electric connectors and works with all in-cab controllers. The BrakeRite EHB (electric hydraulic brake actuator) installs easily and delivers 75 cubic inches of volume per minute. The BrakeRite EHB...

www.easternmarine.com

It’s on my wish list of things to do but is pretty far down the list as my surge brake is working very well since I bled it with the pressure bleeder.

The thing I do not like about surge brakes is the inability to test the brakes from the cab when heading out, you have to use a screwdriver on the manual bleeding point to see if it is still working. Or to be able to apply the brakes manually while underway. The other thing I don’t like about surge brakes is that while going down hills and using the trucks engine brake, the sure brakes will be on, and they can get a bit warm.

On the plus side surge brakes are simple stand alone mechanical brakes that are super reliable and need just basic maintenance.

Here’s a couple links to help you with the change out and some maintenance you should do while you’re at it.

Thread 'Changing out the surge brake actuator.'

Jun 11, 2023

Okay,

A few weeks back I checked the brake fluid in the reservoir of the surge brakes… bone dry. I wonder how long it was like that since I’d never checked it before… boo on me. I’m still baffled at where the brake fluid went to. I know the brakes worked two years ago when the big Mule Deer Doe stepped out in front of me on the way to Lake Powell and I slammed on the brakes, the trailer started hopping and left big darkies on the road, damn that was close, my friend and his wife and their boxer dog were riding with me, he said nothing but his wife made a little squeak noise.

So...

• FSH 210 Sport
• Replies: 43
• Forum: General Discussion

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Thread 'Shorelnd’r wheel bearing & disc brake caliper maintenance'

Jan 31, 2025

This one is a long time coming as I had wanted to do a more comprehensive thread after I got home from WI this summer and had to replace a wear sleeve while I was in WI. While the concept of the replaceable wear sleeve is a good one, it sure would be nice if Shorelnd’r would have included bearing maintenance and wear sleeve replacement in the owners manual. As well, the disc brake owners manual leaves a lot to be desired in terms of maintenance as well as parts.

When I was in WI this summer the drivers side front wheel started spitting some grease, I had worked on this wheel a few years...

• FSH 210 Sport
• Replies: 18
• Forum: General Discussion

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[paleus]

Thanks @FSH 210 Sport

I'm going to just replace the surge brake actuator with the same part. Electric actuated brakes would be sweet, but I don't think it's worth 3x the cost of fixing the surge brake system.

 

[itsdgm]

Thanks @FSH 210 Sport

I'm going to just replace the surge brake actuator with the same part. Electric actuated brakes would be sweet, but I don't think it's worth 3x the cost of fixing the surge brake system.

Welcome and congrats on the new boat.

Imho, if your actuator has that much debris/corrosion inside then your whole brake systems more than likely need to be replaced or at least serviced. This would include replacing the brake likes and calipers. Otherwise, your new actuator will get damaged when all the rust and corrosion further down the lines returns to the reservoir.

 

[paleus]

Welcome and congrats on the new boat.

Imho, if your actuator has that much debris/corrosion inside then your whole brake systems more than likely need to be replaced or at least serviced. This would include replacing the brake likes and calipers. Otherwise, your new actuator will get damaged when all the rust and corrosion further down the lines returns to the reservoir.

Good point.

I wonder if I could flush the lines before swapping out the actuator by sticking the front end of the line in a container of brake fluid, I have a vacuum pump. Would that be enough to clear out the crud?