Question

The Boat Trailering Guys

The cap on my surge brake reservoir is loose and I never really paid attention to it until just now. And I've had my trailer in the water all summer which means it may have been under water for a period while launching and retrieving. Should I be worried? The brakes work fine. A Bovino, Denver CO.

A Bovino

Answered on: 6/2005

MIKE: They may work for the short term, but I would definitely recommend bleeding the entire system and replacing the brake fluid and reservoir cap. I would even go as far as pulling the brake cylinders and rebuilding them. If the water has been in the lines for any length of time, and you have steel cylinders, the corrosion process could be well under way. Many of the newer brake systems are now using aluminum cylinders. GEORGE: I think you are talking about the cap on your master cylinder. Here's my advice: Don't presume there isn't a problem (and I won't apologize for the double negative because this is important). Yes, the brakes may have worked fine the last time you used them but does that mean they'll automatically work fine the next time you use them? The answer is change the fluid and make sure you use DOT 3-Grade (Department of Transportation Grade 3 brake fluid).

The Boat Trailering Guys: Mike and George