Bleeding brakes.

[DanielC]

Does anyone know how to bleed the brakes on a trailer with this coupler?

[AirTool]

DC,

Is this a trick?

I think the same as the other surge brakes.

Park the trailer with the coupler over a curb stop.
block the wheels
Use a long 2x4 as a fulcrum with the curb stop to back you up and push in the coupler doodad. (i can sketch if you like)
Have your ski buddy vent the brake juice as push on the coupler.
You know all the other specifics.

Is this what you are looking for? ...or was there a trick?

[DanielC]

No trick. On this kind of coupler, you can stick a screwdriver up into a hole just behind where the ball is, and by moving the screwdriver, it directly pushes on the master cylinder plunger.

[Quinner]

Daniel,

If you have a suk-up or similar extractor pump you can use that to bleed without having to pump at all.
Just be sure the reservoir remains full and start on the rear axle.

Otherwise I would imagine there should be an insert below to use a screwdriver.

[h2ohangtime]

+1 for the vacuum extractor method. I just bled the brakes on my trailer today (first time I've ever done it on ANYTHING, let alone a trailer) and I used the Mityvac. VERY easy to do. Only thing I had a problem with was that the bleed valve screw was letting too much air past after 1/4 turn. A little teflon tape fixed that problem.

[ski4evr]

I used the mighty vac as well to get the majority of the lines clear of air. Also, lower the tongue if you suspect air near the coupler. I have also used a ratchet strap to stroke the coupler to assist bleeding when by myself, might work on that coupler.

[BrennanK]

You insert a screwdriver right behind the latch, there is a hole that you use for leverage against the piston / bolt.
Here is a image of my old coupler which is the same as that one.


Compressed...

[DanielC]

Thanks Brennan, I will try that tomorrow. It is raining today.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

power bleeder is the best way with to guys
your hands and arms are going to get one **** of a work out

[mcbridek]

I would recommend cleaning out the reservoir first. In mine there was a lot of gunk the reservoir. I sucked it out, added fluid, mixed it around and sucked it out again. Then you start with a clean pool of fluid to flow through the lines.

[DanielC]

Brennen,
You pry on the bolt in the coupler exactly how you described. It works good. your arm does not get tired, it is quite easy.

Now, here is a tip for the other end of the brake line. You can replace the bleeder screw with a Speed Bleeder screw. The Speedbleeder has a check valve in it that will open under slight pressure, and then it will close again. It always keeps slight pressure in the brake caliper, or cylinder, and prevents air from getting into the brake lines, unless you let the master cylinder get too low.

Surprise, they have a website. http://www.speedbleeder.com/ You can order from them, or many auto parts stores can get them.

With the Speed Bleeder on the trailer, one person can easily work the master cylinder, while watching the fluid level, and the only tools needed, are a wrench to fit the bleeder screw, and a screwdriver.