Trailer surge brake bleeding

[Hawkeye50]

I have been attempting to bleed the surge brakes on my single axle trailer and after trying several methods can't seem to get 

all the air out.Jacked-up trailer and spun wheel activated coupler and wheel did seem to brake.Any thoughts?

[Bozeman Bob]

You might try opening the bleeder and just wait for gravity to do its thing. Just make sure the reservoir is always topped off and the cap should be off as well. Might take 5-10 minutes to get a constant flow going. Other option is a reverse power bleeder ,where your pumping fluid from.the bleeder to the reservoir. 

[Hawkeye50]

I tried the gravity method,no flow.Also used harbor freight pressure bleeder,still did not get good results.This am tried pumping with screw driver from actuator,again little or no flow,pulling out what little hair I have left.Thinking about taking trailer to local  auto repair shop.

[Andre wallyandre]

Maybe that can help: 

https://youtu.be/wlEf1Df7LvY

Edited April 2, 2020 by wallyandre

[Earl28]

Used a hitch bar as a handle to pump the surge brake.

[lost a lure]

Use a vacuum pump bleeder

Sent from my SM-G950U using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[Hawkeye50]

Thanks guys,tried vacuum bleeder,with limited success,will give it another try later this week,at least it keeps me busy these days .

[Fishstix]

Your calipers are probably seized up.... I ended up changing mine and used a come along on the hitch to get a full stroke. 

[sherman brown]

sounds very much like the calipers are stopped up but it would be rare for both sides to stop up at the same time. switch sides and use the vacuum pump. the rubber lining of the brake line often separate's and stops up the line. I would remove the rubber line and blow through it to see if its stopped up before changing the caliper. if both sides are the same look for a crimp in metal line. if you have an all rubber line I would check it before doing anything else.

[Bozeman Bob]

Just out of curiosity what are you hauling on a single axle trailer that needs surge brakes  Or is the tow vehicle a small car ?

[Hawkeye50]

Towing 18' trophy,loaded approx 3500-4300 pounds.

[jigstick]

Disc brakes?  

[Hawkeye50]

Yes.Finally after several tries I got it done.Hooked -up to truck and worked actuator back and forth,then bled brakes with a pump sprayer and clear hose,worked like a charm.Always amazed at what you find on utube.