Brake actuator leaking fluid

[AaronWhitt82]

Hey guys,
When I went to check the brake fluid for the trailer the other day I noticed the reservoir was dy.
I went ahead and topped it off with DOT4 brake fluid.
After I had the boat out Saturday for the first time this year I went ahead and checked it again and it was very low.
I checked the lines everywhere and where the line connects to the actuator and it was dry and no leaks.
When I checked underneath the tongue of the trailer I noticed it was dripping a little bit and it was brake fluid.
I cannot totally tell where it is leaking from, but I'd imagine somewhere in the actuator.
Inside the reservoir there was also alot of rust.
Can anyone point me in the right direction as far as how to disassemble the whole unit inside the tongue to take it out?
Also where would I buy a replacement one at?
Thanks

[NewmbaTX]

Dissassembly fo tongue??? Might have to just jump in there and take it apart! It has Eclips and crssrod to attach the sliding part to the actuator.
As for parts..Is it a "Boatmate"? You can go to there site and order parts directly, most others trailer pars come out of San Marcos, CA, Trailer buddy..at www.ufpnet.com

Hope this helps! Be safe with brakes!

[NewmbaTX]

Sorry, I can't seem to figure out how to attach a file or pic to post...... I can send you a pdf of manual and parts lists if your trailer is a "boat mate". via email if you'd like.

[AaronWhitt82]

Yes the trailer is a Boatmate..... I don't really want to start diassembly until I order a new actuator. I'm not really sure what I'll be getting into or how big of a job it is. Overall I don't think it should be that hard.
I went to the website you listed and I will need the A-60 actuator.
I didn't see a price on the website anywhere so I'm going to contact them direct and see.
Thanks

[RobertJ]

You might just need a new cap on the actuater. The cap should have an o-ring and if it is worn it will cause the actuater to leak when the system builds up pressure. A pretty cheap fix if that is all that is wrong.

[AaronWhitt82]

You might just need a new cap on the actuater. The cap should have an o-ring and if it is worn it will cause the actuater to leak when the system builds up pressure. A pretty cheap fix if that is all that is wrong.

Are you talking about the cap for the resorvoir or a different one inside somewhere?
I'd hate to disassemble the whole actuator just to look it over to see if I could figure out what was wrong because then I'd have to disconnect the brake line and bleed the whole system again.

[RobertJ]

I was thinking the fill cap. I am getting a new to me trailer and the dealer just had to replace the cap on it as part of the trade check. I do think it might depand on what brand of acutator you have.

[Razzman]

Aaron the A-60 has a simple rubber plug for the master. The A-60 is easy to take apart and diagnose the issue. The cover on the outside is just that, a cover. If you remove the actuator assembly from the trailer and remove the clips on one side, pull the pins, the cover will slide off. Be carefull to note the positioning of all the parts as inside the cover there are bushings and sleeves. Inside you'll find the master and shock assemblies.

How old is the trailer? How much use has the trailer had? I ask as rust in a master is not a good thing and should be replaced. If the trailer is older i would suggest you might just replace the whole actuator. I've rebuilt and replaced A-60s and for the cost diff it's economical to replace the actuator as you can re-use the outer cover.

[zegm]

How old is the trailer? How much use has the trailer had? I ask as rust in a master is not a good thing and should be replaced. If the trailer is older i would suggest you might just replace the whole actuator. I've rebuilt and replaced A-60s and for the cost diff it's economical to replace the actuator as you can re-use the outer cover.

I agree, when it comes to brakes money should not be your first concern as it could end up costing you a whole lot more money later!

[AaronWhitt82]

Aaron the A-60 has a simple rubber plug for the master. The A-60 is easy to take apart and diagnose the issue. The cover on the outside is just that, a cover. If you remove the actuator assembly from the trailer and remove the clips on one side, pull the pins, the cover will slide off. Be carefull to note the positioning of all the parts as inside the cover there are bushings and sleeves. Inside you'll find the master and shock assemblies.

How old is the trailer? How much use has the trailer had? I ask as rust in a master is not a good thing and should be replaced. If the trailer is older i would suggest you might just replace the whole actuator. I've rebuilt and replaced A-60s and for the cost diff it's economical to replace the actuator as you can re-use the outer cover.

Yes, it does just have the rubber plug for the master then the larger plastic cap that goes on the tongue.
I have the tool to remove the clips off of the pins. It doesn't seem to be a hard job, but like you said to remember the positioning of everything.
The trailer is a 1999. Overall, it is in great condition with very little rust.
I am the 2nd owner and the previous one hardly used it as the boat was on a lift. He said he only trailered it to Florida and back twice and that was about it.
As soon as I saw the rust I figured it might have something to do with why it is leaking. Not sure if water got in there or what.
Do you have any idea how much the whole actuator assembly is?
Thanks