Hydraulic Surge Brake; Master Cylinder Bleeding; Trailer Connection To Tow Vehicle; Coupler And Ball - OHIOSTEEL Utility Trailer Owner's Manual

reservoir. Check with your dealer for the type of brake
fl uid used in the brake system.

9.2.3.2 Hydraulic Surge Brake

Before each tow, perform the following steps:
Check that the brake master cylinder level as
1.
instructed above. Check for leaks and repair as
required.
Examine the actuator for wear, bent parts, corroded/
2.
seized parts, or other damage. Have the affected
components replaced with genuine service parts.
Check to determine that the actuator mounting bolts
3.
are tightened to the manufacturer's specifi cation.
Test the actuator and brake function as described
4.
in the Coupling To Tow Vehicle section of this
manual. Actuator travel over one inch indicates
that the brakes need adjustment (or that the
actuator has been structurally damaged). Actuator
travel is the distance the coupler case assembly
moves to the outer case during braking. Adjust the
brakes following the instructions given in the brake
installation manual. Failure to adjust brakes will
result in loss of braking.
Before storage or after extended use, apply motor
5.
oil to the coupler components and the internal
rollers to keep them moving freely and to prevent
corrosion.
See the surge brake manufacturer's manual for
6.
other inspection and maintenance activities. If you
do not have this manual, contact your dealer for
assistance.

9.2.3.3 Master Cylinder Bleeding

Remove the master cylinder's cap and fi ll the reservoir
to three quarters full with DOT-3 or DOT 4 brake fl uid.
DO NOT allow brake fl uid to contact painted surfaces
since it will damage the fi nish. Wipe up any spills
immediately and wash the area with water.
Bleed the brake system manually or with a pressure
bleeder. Pressure bleeding equipment simplifi es the
process, and is available at most automotive supply
stores. Use the instructions provided with the pressure
bleeder. If you chose to manually bleed the system,
an assistant is required. Use the following steps to
manually bleed the brake system:
Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle and jack
1.
the trailer's tongue until it is horizontal. Make sure
that the wheels are blocked so that the trailer will
not roll away.
Fill the master cylinder with correct fl uid.
2.
Install a bleeder hose on the bleeder screw of the
3.
farthest wheel cylinder from the actuator. If the
Inspection, Service And Maintenance
trailer has multiple axles, bleed the rear axle fi rst.
Submerse the other end of the hose in a glass
container of brake fl uid, so that air bubbles can be
observed.
Open the bleeder screw and have an assistant
4.
stroke (but not release) the actuator. Brake fl uid
and/or air bubbles will fl ow into the jar. Close the
bleeder screw. The helper can then allow the
actuator to return to its rest position.
Repeat the process until no more bubbles are
5.
released with the stroke. Air trapped in the brake
lines will greatly reduce your braking effi ciency. Be
sure to close the bleeder screw securely when the
cylinder is fully bled. Repeat the bleeding operation
at each wheel cylinder. During the bleeding
process, replenish the master cylinder reservoir
with fresh brake fl uid so that the level does not fall
below half full. This will ensure that no air is drawn
into the system.
After all brakes have been bled, refi ll the master
6.
cylinder before operating. Be sure to install the
master cylinder fi ller cap.
^
Use only fresh brake fl uid from a sealed
container. DO NOT reuse fl uid. After fi lling
and bleeding, refi ll the actuator.
Failure to maintain an adequate fl uid level
may cause brake failure.

9.2.4 Trailer Connection To Tow Vehicle

9.2.4.1 Coupler And Ball

Before each tow, coat the ball with a thin layer of
automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and
ensure proper operation; and check the locking
device that secures the coupler to the ball for proper
operation.
See the coupler manufacturer's manual for other
inspection and maintenance procedures. If you do not
have this manual, contact your dealer for assistance.
If you see or feel evidence of wear, such as fl at spots,
deformations, pitting or corrosion, on the ball or
coupler, immediately have your dealer inspect them
to determine the proper action to prevent possible
failure of the ball and coupler system. All bent or
broken coupler parts must be replaced before towing
the trailer.
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WARNING