trailer brake questions/problems

[smbass77]

Hi Everyone,

I love reading this board, so much good info!! I was hoping to get some educated opinions on a trailer problem I'm having, both with the trailer and the mechanic shop. I have a Skeeter (EZ Loader) tandem axle, disc brake trailer.

Long story short:

Four weeks ago had the backup solenoid replaced. Within 60 miles my master cylinder lost all its fluid. I put in the manual key to stop the actuator from moving and banging. Bring it back to dealership, they tell me the push rod is jammed in the master cylinder and it all needs replacing. Could a bad solenoid or faulty installation cause me to lose brake fluid?

I paid to get a new front actuator assembly, a new rotor, two sets of pads, and a new calibur. Apparently when my master cylinder was destroyed my brakes were partially engaged, causing all this damage. Within 60 miles of leaving the dealership, my brakes locked up and cooked my wheel bearing grease to the point it was dripping out like water. Anything other than a faulty part or installation cause any of this?

I'm talking with the owner of the repair shop on Tuesday and I'm looking to get some education. I feel like they have completely destroyed my trailer and are responsible for making this right, but I want to be sure when I talk to the owner. I mean I just spent $1,000 on work on the trailer brakes.......what's left that they didn't already touch?

Thanks!

[western angler]

Take it to another shop. If you replaced the whole actuator assm. then they are blowing smoke up your arse. Then call the BBB file a complaint. Call the local attorney general and consumer affairs division and file a complaint. They are trying to rip you off.

[smbass77]

they replaced the entire assembly. Still waiting to hear from the GM to see what they will do to correct it.

Is it possible when they replaced the solenoid that it may have caused my trailer to lose fluid and cause the master to go bad? I'm trying to figure out how much of these repairs may have been their fault.

[taeheel2az]

If there's no fluid, the brakes won't work at all, so I don't see how that's a factor in the breakdowns. And I don't see how the master cylinder would be damaged by lack of fluid.

The solenoid only engages when the tow vehicle is in reverse, to prevent braking caused by the vehicle pushing against the surge mechanism. I don't see how the solenoid could lead to the breakdown.

I had a similar experience. The first event was losing a bolt attaching the caliper to the axle hub, resulting in the disks dragging against the rotor and frying everything. The second event was caused by the replacement rotor being thicker than the original (I should have noticed), causing the pads to drag too heavily and over heat, damaging everything again.

The dealer either incorrectly diagnosed the problem or incorrectly repaired it. If they stand behind their work and make it good at no additional charge to you, OK.

Otherwise, I'd never darken their door again.

BTW, I think they overcharged you, but that's the way dealer repair service is.


Modified by taeheel2az at 5:43 PM 7/6/2011