new disc brakes, think are not working right

[elkhunter338]

I just installed new kodiak disc brakes on the front axle, new hydralic surge actuator for disc brakes on the trailer and plumbed with new brakes hoses.
I bleed the brakes and got everything working.
My question is it seems like there is still some air in the lines or actuator does not displace enough fluid.
I can back the trailer up a hill without using the reverse solinoid and I can feel the brakes come on but the brakes will not skid the tires on gravel. It appears the actuator is being pushed all the way in.
I have 3 thoughts.
1. still air in the brake lines, but I bleed a fair amount of fluid out each caliper.
2. actuator is not working right, new demco
3. brake hoses are using up some of the fluid displacement because a hose under pressure expands. There is about 20' or so of brake hose. I used a hose kit with brass fittings so the brake lines did not rust in the salt water.
Any ideas?

 

[superbenk]

Re: new disc brakes, think are not working right

My Kodiak disc kit came with stainless steel brake lines. I'm skeptical that much hose is a good idea. You may want to look for some stainless tubing to replace the majority of it. I only have 3 short hoses - 1 for each wheel connection & one to connect the tubing on the axle to the tubing running through the trailer frame. Each rubber hose is about 1.5' long.

 

[Lawnmedic]

Re: new disc brakes, think are not working right

You may need to activate the brakes multiple times to get the calipers set properly. Keep checking the reservoir as the fluid level will go down as the system adjusts.

 

[dingbat]

Re: new disc brakes, think are not working right

It's not the brake lines. I have an all flexible system on my trailer and the Kodiaks work just fine.

Disc are very sensitive to air in the lines. You either have air in your lines or you didn't bleed the actuator according to instruction. Take the trailer out for a ride then bleed the brakes again. It took 3 tries to get mine fully bleed.

 

[Daleg70]

Re: new disc brakes, think are not working right

Agree with reply above. I have Kodiak Disk brakes and flexible lines on my tandem axle trailer. I can guarantee you I cannot back up without either the exlectric lockout solenoid working or a pin installed. You have some other issue. Make sure the actuator is suited for disk brakes, versus drum brakes -- there are differences I believe in fluid volume needed.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: new disc brakes, think are not working right

You need to bleed the air from the solenoid as well as the actuator when installing a new system. Instructions can be found on Championtrailers.com. This requires having the electric wiring hooked up to the truck, in reverse, so as to activate the solenoid.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: new disc brakes, think are not working right

You need to make yourself one of these:
http://www.ibmwr.org/ktech/pressure-bleeder/bleeder.shtml
I can bleed my Kodiak brakes in 10 minutes with this thing. Works perfect. Cost me $25.
I didn't bother with the pressure guage, 6-7 pumps does the trick.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: new disc brakes, think are not working right

Thanks guys for the information. I appreciate the confirmation that the hose kit I used is not part of the problem. I am sure it is air causing the problem. I did buy a actuator for hydralic disc brakes. I will use the trailer and re bleed the brakes.