Specifications

DCA-180SSJU — OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 (02/01/10) — PAGE 61
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MAINTENANCE (TRAILER)
Hydraulic Surge Brakes
Hydraulic surge brakes (Figure 61) should not require any
special attention with the exception of routine maintenance
such as shoe and lining replacement. Brake lines should be
periodically checked for cracks, kinks, or blockage.
Figure 61. Hydraulic Brake Components
Brakes
Trailer brakes should be inspected the of
operation. This will allow the brake shoes and drums to seat
properly. After the first 200 mile interval, inspect the brakes
. If driving over rough terrain, inspect the
brakes more frequently.
Figure 61 displays the major hydraulic surge brake
components that will require inspection and maintenance.
Please inspect these components as required using steps 1
through 8 and Table 15 as listed below:
Brake Adjustment
1. Place the trailer on jack stands. Make sure the jack stands
are placed on secure level ground.
2. Check the wheel and drum for free rotation.
3. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot
at the bottom brake backing plate.
4. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate the
star wheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake
shoes.
5. Adjust the brake shoes outward until the pressure of the
lining against the wheel drum makes the wheel difficult
to turn.
6. Adjust, rotate the star wheel in the opposite direction
until the wheel rotates freely with slight lining drag.
7. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the trailer to
the ground.
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 on the remaining brakes.
Actuator
Hydraulic surge braking requires the installation of an
actuator at the tongue of the trailer. Remember the or
of the trailer toward the tow vehicle automatically
synchronizes the trailer brakes with the tow vehicle brakes.
As the trailer pushes against the tow vehicle the actuator
telescopes together and applies force to the master cylinder,
supplying hydraulic pressure to the trailer brakes.
Periodically check and test the surge “ ” to make
sure that it is functioning correctly. Never use an undersize
actuator.
Table 13. Hydraulic Brake Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
No Brakes Brake line broken or kinked? Repair or replace.
Weak Brakes or Brakes Pull to
One Side
Brake lining glazed? Reburnish or replace.
Trailer overloaded? Correct weight.
Brake drums scored or grooved? Machine or replace.
Tire pressure correct? Inflate all tires equally.
Tires unmatched on the same axle? Match tires.
Locking Brakes
Brake components loose, bent or broken? Replace components.
Brake drums out-of-round? Replace.
Noisy Brakes
System lubricated? Lubricate.
Brake components correct? Replace and correct.
Dragging Brakes
Brake lining thickness incorrect or not
adjusted correctly?
Install new shoes and
linings.
Enough brake fluid or correct fluid?
Replace rubber parts
fill with dot 4 fluid.