trailer brake problems

[Gadgetman]

Am having trouble with my surge brakes not working. Had my rig in to get fresh bearings put in it and told my guy (tire and brake dealer) that my brakes werent working. He bled the lines,adjusted the brakes and pumped the actuator back and forth many times but couldnt get them to move. any ideas? I have a feeling that it may be the master cylinder on the trailer and have ordered a replacement for it(only $30 for part). Will be bringing it back to him next weekend so if anybody has other ideas for him to check out I would appreciate any input

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I fish, therefore I am.

[Surface Tension]

Not sure how he bleed the brakes if the actuator isn't working but I guess replacing it would be the logical first move.

[Gadgetman]

Pumped like crazy with a pry bar on the swiveling part of the front of the hitch. and then put a suction machine on the bleeder valves on both sides of trailer and ran it until brake fluid was coming thru. I poured it into the reservoir in the front and he sucked it thru the bleeders in the back. Do these brakes go bad often or is this a normal type thing after 7 years of use?

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I fish, therefore I am.

[Surface Tension]

I've never had a problem with any of trailers brakes, surge or electric.
Besides the actuator the brake cylinders are something else to consider. Meaning froze up.

[Gadgetman]

Thanks S.T. will remember to aske them to look at the cylinders before replacing the master. By froze up do you mean rusted tight?Appreciate your help and will let you know what it turns out to be. Will be gone for the next week on a fly in trip with my dad and brothers so you wont hear from me for a bit. Any other ideas would be appreciated.

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I fish, therefore I am.

[Surface Tension]

Yes rusted or corroded up. Either way it shouldn't be a problem to fix. Good Luck on your trip.

[Gadgetman]

Hi Surface Tension, back from Canada and a great trip-5 30" Walleyes plus manyover 25". Just wanted to give you the courtesy of a response regarding the above mentined brake problem. It was indeed the master cylinder and after $100 for parts and labor it is now good as new. Thanks for your input.

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I fish, therefore I am.

[Surface Tension]

Thanks for letting us know what the fix was. You had a great trip and the trailer brakes are working, two happy endings.