I have a '92 Ranger 361V. I'm trying to figure out my trailer issue. When I pull away from a stop, there is an abrupt clunk. Researching this, I have it narrowed to it being the shock in the actuator, or air in my brake lines. I'm going to bleed my lines, and if that isn't it, then where is the best place to get a new shock? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Perform a push pull test on the shock, there should be about 50 lbs of resistance compressing and decompressing the shock. If you have good resistance, the problem is most likley air in the system, Be sure to lower the actuator when bleeding, lower the tongue jack down. The mastercykinder needs to be BELOW the bleed screws in the back
Because of the age I would really suspect the shock is bad. I just replaced one on a 2000 trailer and it had no resistance at all and was leaking fluid. It is not a hard job, just takes a little coordination to get the rollers back in to the housing and insert the pins that keep them in place.
Be careful if you disconnect the brake lines to remove the actuator assembly, because of limited access on some trailers it can be difficult to reconnect the brake line to the reverse solenoid fitting.
Mine does the same thing and I ordered a new shock. I figure if it was air in the lines wouldn't it clunk when stopping to? Hope to take it apart this weekend. I'll let you know how it works.
Don
To test for proper brake bleeding, unplug your trailer and try to back up a slight incline. When the brakes fully apply, set your emergency brake and observe the position of the front pin on the side of the actuator. With brakes bled properly, the pin should be 1/2 to 3/4 of the way back in the travel slot. If it exceeds 3/4 or bottoms out, bleed the brakes. Remember to lower the nose of the trailer and bleed uphill. The shock only functions when pulling away from a stop. It should have even friction in either direction. If it has any dead spots, replace the shock.
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