atwood Hydraulic Brake Surges - Manual (Page 5)

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Guides are only intended for use on Atwood ® products by service technicians
who have successfully completed Atwood ® training. This guide should be
used in conjunction with appropriate Instruction Manual provided with the
product and any applicable Industry Standards. This is not intended to be a
complete list. Please direct questions concerning service of Atwood
® prod-
ucts to 866-869-3118 before proceeding.
ƽ
WARNING
PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PRODUCT DAMAGE
•
If any of the following conditions develop, trailer must not be
used until proper corrective action is taken.
SQUEAKING, CLATTER OR CHUCKING
CONDITION SOLUTION
LACK OF HITCH BALL LUBRICATION ------------ Lubricate with conventional automotive
grease or commercial lubricant made for
hitch balls
BINDING LINKAGE & PIVOTS ON
BRAKE ACTUATOR ------------------------------ Oil linkage & pivots on brake actuator
LOOSE HITCH BALL ---------------------------- Inspect hitch & tighten
LOOSE HITCH ---------------------------------- Inspect hitch & tighten
ACTUATOR LOOSE ON TRAILER FRAME ---------- Inspect brake actuator & tighten
HITCH BALL WORN OR TOO SMALL ------------ Replace
OVERHEATED BRAKES -------------------------- Replace wheel bearing
BROKEN BRAKE DRUM ( S ) ---------------------- Replace brake drum(s) & check brake
shoes
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL ---------------------- Fill & bleed brakes, per IOM instructions
WORN OUT SHOCK ABSORBER ------------------ Replace
PARTIAL APPLICATION OF BREAKAWAY CABLE -- Fully release breakaway cable
BRAKES IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED -------------- Check brakes for adjustments per IOM
instructions
BROKEN BRAKE RETURN SPRING -------------- Replace return spring
SEIZED ACTUATOR MASTER CYLINDER ---------- Replace/rebuild actuator master cylinder
WORN OUT BRAKE SHOES ---------------------- Replace brake shoes and check brake
drums
LEAKY WHEEL CYLINDER ---------------------- Replace/rebuild wheel cylinders and
replace brake shoes. Clean drums and
other hardware
RELEASE HANDLE DOES NOT CLOSE EASILY
CONDITION SOLUTION
OVERSIZED BALL ------------------------------ Check ball size
BALL NOT FULLY INSERTED INTO SOCKET ------ Check for proper ball size. Check to see if
tongue jack is fully retracted. Hold release
handle open when inserting ball.
FOREIGN MATERIAL IN ACTUATOR SOCKET ------ Clean and lubricate
BRAKE OVERHEATING, SIDE PULL, BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE,
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
CONDITION SOLUTION
ONLY ONE BRAKE IS APPLYING ---------------- Check brake adjustment per IOM instruc-
tions.
LEAKING WHEEL CYLINDER -------------------- Check and replace wheel cylinder and
bleed brakes per IOM instructions.
SEIZED WHEEL CYLINDER PISTON -------------- Check and rebuild/replace wheel cylinder
and bleed system per IOM instructions.
FOREIGN MATERIAL IN BRAKE UNIT ------------ Clean thoroughly
LOW HYDRAULIC FLUID LEVEL ------------------ Fill and bleed brakes, per IOM instructions
A BENT SHOULDER BOLT ---------------------- Replace
A BEND PUSH ROD IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER -- Replace shock absorber
A DAMAGED SOCKET ASSEMBLY ---------------- Replace actuator
BROKEN / PINCHED BRAKE LINES ---------------- Replace
BRAKE ACTUATOR FRAME DAMAGED ------------ Replace actuator
WORN BRAKE SHOE ( S ) ------------------------ Replace brake shoe(s)
TOWING VEHICLE SHAKING BACK AND FORTH
CONDITION SOLUTION
WORN VEHICLE SUSPENSION ------------------ Replace shock absorber
HITCH NOT SECURE ---------------------------- Tighten all bolts and nuts
UNDER - SIZED HITCH BALL ---------------------- Ball should be 2˝ machined/forged type
EXTENDED STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Preventative maintenance is recommended for extended periods of storage.
1. Check brake system for proper fluid level in master cylinder, bleed all lines.
2. Lubricate all links and pivots to prevent any rusting.
3. Remove wheel and drum assemblies and spray a good anti-corrosion com-
pound (CRC formula 5-56) under rubber boot on forward end of brake wheel
cylinder. Avoid spraying drum and brake lining.
4. Grease all bearings and reinstall wheel and drum assemblies.
5. Make sure breakaway cable is fully released.
6. After extended storage refer to
MAINTENANCE Steps 1 through 5, to insure trail-
er readiness for towing.
7. Adjust drum brakes
PROPER TOWING CHECKLIST
✔ Inspect brake fittings for leaks.
✔ Adjust brakes every 2000 miles.
✔ Lubricate all mechanical moving parts.
✔ Inspect the breakaway cable for any kinks.
✔ Verify a one-piece 2˝ ball is used, without chips, dirt or hairline cracks.
✔ Securely attach safety chains to trailer and tow vehicle.
✔ For proper braking, trailer should set level when attached to tow vehicle to
produce a positive tongue load.
✔ DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid should be used in master cylinder and fill it from
1/2 full to 1/2˝ from top of cylinder reservoir.
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