03 Ranger dual axle trailer help needed.

[Kingpin]

I need to dive into my breaks and I want to check everything over. Last year I started hearing some banging when I would start and stop on the way to the lake. I cant find anything wrong but I did read that actuaters go bad and fluid should be checked. Im pretty good with most things, but I have no idea about trailer brakes. I have no faith in local guys so Im hopingthere might be a link where it explains what needs to be checked and changed? Anyone care to give some quick tips on how to check the system for low fluid? Thanks, G

[racefan]

It is mostlikely the shock that has gone bad in the front actuater. It will not hurt a thing only clunk when you pull out after a stop.

[ThumpinStumps]

While ur in there check the shackles and the inserts around ur bolts on the springs those with creek and pop if they are going bad on ya i just replaced mine while i did the brands and bearings

[Kingpin]

Forgive me for my ignorance but are you talking about the shackles and inserts around the leaf springs?

Racefan, can i change just the shock in the actuator? Is this the little thing hanging towards the front of the spare tire? G

[racefan]

Yes this can be changed by itself. You have to tear the whole toung assembly apart to replace so it is better to replace the whole thing.

[Kingpin]

Any help with how to get this thing apart?

[Ranger519VS]

Everything you need is in this link. If you can't figure it out then you are probably better off paying someone to do it.

http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/...e.pdf

[bassn5150]

Pull the pins with the split ring clips immediately behind your coupler, then the complete unit is loose. You'll have to disconnect your brake line from the coupler, no trouble. Bleeding the brakes isn't really too big a headache either. I recently changed one on a 451v and it really wasn't too bad!

[Kingpin]

Got it. Thank you guys very much. Im getting to old to research everything. If I could bring things in to actualy get fixed, I wouldnt have to do this anymore. Seems as if the fluid is still holding fine but i think the shock has gone bad. Is this a common occurance? Thanks, G

[Carlos H]

yes on the shock

[civicrr]

Kingpin,
You've either got a bad shock, like I did, or really low fluid. In my case, I replaced the whole actuator assembly. The shock was definitely bad & I saw some rust in the brake fluid reservoir when I was checking the level. I'm check the fluid much more often now! Just seemed better to start new rather than not be sure.

Best bet is to look at the coupler to find a name & part number. IIRC, that info will be right by the brake lockout (silver, round on top). Do a web search with that info will get you vendors as well as instructions on how to change.

IIRC, this is where I got mine. UFP A-60 Brake Actuator | Pacific Boat Trailers - 888-479-6920

[civicrr]

whoops. double post