2017 OWNERS MANUAL / 444
More Than One Brake Is Overheating
Isolate the problem to the actuator or the brakes by:
• Fully extend the actuator.
• Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap.
• Check that the reservoir is properly filled.
• Manually push the actuator inner member in or use a screwdriver
to stroke the push rod.
• In the first 1/8” of stroke, the reservoir fluid will either remain
completely calm or will swirl around. If the fluid swirls, then this
indicates that fluid is being allowed to return to the reservoir
when the actuator is extended. This means that the actuator is
functioning properly and it is necessary to further troubleshoot
the brakes to determine the cause of overheating.
• If the fluid is not disturbed, as described above, it means the
brake system is remaining pressurized and there is a problem
with the actuator. Troubleshoot the actuator to determine the
cause of the problem.
Potential Issues With the Actuator Include
• The fluid return hole in the master cylinder is clogged or is not
correctly positioned
• Corrosion in the master cylinder is freezing the piston or not
allowing it to fully retract, which is usually caused by a trailer
being stored with the actuator compressed
• Some other malfunction or damage that is keeping the master
cylinder from retracting.
Brakes Not Operating Or Performing Poorly
Possible Cause Remedy
Worn out brake shoes
or disc brake pads
Replace the brake shoes/pads on
both sides of the axles and check the
drums/rotors for wear or damage.
Foreign material in the
brake unit assembly
Clean thoroughly. Replace the shoes
and linings if contaminated.
Insucient amount of
hydraulic fluid.
Fill the reservoir and bleed the brakes.
Check for leaks.
Broken lines or
pinched line
Replace faulty lines and bleed the
brakes.
Seized actuator mas-
ter cylinder prevents
piston from stroking
Replace actuator master cylinder.
Corrosion/rust keeps
brake from operating
Replace damaged components or
entire brake assembly as required.
Possible Cause Remedy
Trailer has been stored
with the actuator com-
pressed and rust has
caused the brakes to
freeze up.
Remove the brakes. Clean, repair or
replace the components as neces-
sary. This is best done by an autho-
rized MasterCraft dealer.
Pinched or kinked
brake lines.
Check the brake lines and replace as
necessary.
Pulled breakaway cable
and the push rod has
not been reset.
Reset the breakaway cable.
One Brake Is Overheating
Possible Cause Remedy
Disc brake caliper
does not permit the
brake pads to release.
Check the caliper. Sections must be
free to move apart. If frozen in place,
remove and free it up. Caliper piston
may freeze up and prevent pads from
retracting. Clean contaminants out of
the piston cavity. Replace the piston,
seal and protective dust cover boot.
Bleed the brake system.
Damaged or frozen
brake mechanism
Rebuild or replace the brake unit.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
