Sensa Brake

Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote 2 REEL Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Sensa Brake
    Posted: 22 Sep 2013 at 3:59pm
2 REEL View Drop Down
Silver
Silver


Joined: 19 Apr 2010
Location: Mt Maunganui
Status: Offline
Points: 140
Are there any Sensa Brake experts on here or is any body skilled up on testing and rebuilding the drawbar mounted trailer control unit?
I have an on going issue with the Sensa Brake system on my boat trailer holding slight hydraulic pressure in the lines after a hard brake application.
It causes just enough pressure in the lines that you can only just turn the wheels by hand if you have the jack under the axles.
Even if you then disconnect from the vehicle and drain all the air out of the tank the wheels will still be dragging.
The only option is to crack a fitting on the hydraulic lines to let the pressure out and the callipers release.
I have had it looked at twice by one service agent who thought it was all the grease in the master cylinder/air piston area.
To me it is like there is either no free play between the master cylinder and the piston that pushes it however apparently this is not adjustable or the system that allows the fluid return to the reservoir is not allowing the fluid back to the reservoir when the brake application has finished.(Seal in backwards)??
Can any body suggest any thing before I replace the entire unit. 
Thanks,
 
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Down Time Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Sep 2013 at 9:30pm
Down Time View Drop Down
Silver
Silver


Joined: 11 Mar 2010
Status: Offline
Points: 196
Had that exact problem with mine a while back. Got intouch with a bloke at trail parts online, i think Jim from memory.. took the unit to him in pukekohe , turned out to be a faulty diafram, caused from brake fluid overflowing / leakage etc $300 odd from memory... Not missed a beat since. 08002370289.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Apex Predator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Sep 2013 at 11:24am
Apex Predator View Drop Down
Gold
Gold
Avatar

Joined: 07 Dec 2005
Location: Maraetai
Status: Offline
Points: 861
Yeah agree -  diaphram will be the problem. 
If the trailer has not been used for a couple of months you should power the brakes up and work them a couple of times or better still take it for a run and get some heat into the system.  They don't like sitting around idle and the diaphram or o-ring will fail.  Diaphram symptoms as you describe.  O-ring failure results in fluid leaking from the control (pump) unit.
Also, don't leave the trailer sitting around with the brakes loaded up.  This includes at the boat ramp while you are out on the water and when you put put the boat away after using it.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote 2 REEL Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2013 at 7:05pm
2 REEL View Drop Down
Silver
Silver


Joined: 19 Apr 2010
Location: Mt Maunganui
Status: Offline
Points: 140
Thanks Guys,
You hit the nail on the head. I sent the unit up to Jim at Trailer Parts Online in Pukekohe and it was brake fluid had leaked from the rear master cylinder seal and contaminated the o ring on the diaphragm causing it to intermittently stick in the bore and hold the brakes on ever so slightly.
I would defiantly recommend Jim to anybody looking to have this work carried out as he has a full test rig set up to check when finished.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Diorama Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Oct 2019 at 1:04pm
Diorama View Drop Down
Bronze
Bronze


Joined: 30 Oct 2011
Status: Offline
Points: 45
There is another way. 
I bought a Sensa Brake unit years ago and when it was first installed it leaked. I tried to get hold of Sensa Brake but found the company had been bought out by Alko. Thought I was going to have issues with warranty but when I got hold of Alko they luckily still backed my unit and told me to take it to someone (will remain nameless) for repair as they were the service agents. Did that and when I got it back it still leaked. Took it back again and when it came back it still leaked. I rang Alko and they supplied all the parts I needed and I rebuilt it myself. It has been fine for probably 10 years. It has just started leaking again so have decided to give it another birthday. Stripped it all down and went to source the parts I needed. I now find Alko has been bought out. Managed to get hold of the rep. They will not sell me the parts. Got hold of the one person who services them and he will not sell me the parts. Was told that if I had an accident he would be liable. What a load of %*(&^. I can buy any part for my car from any auto parts supplier and do it myself (He obviously just wanted the business). Well I had decided if I could not rebuild it myself I was going to renew the whole braking system for a different brand. Anyway I have now found out where I can get the parts I need locally. They are all standard off the shelf seals. Don't be sucked in if you want to do it yourself and have the knowledge. It is really not that hard. While trying to source the parts I have found that these units seem to have got a really bad name and a lot of boat places are not using them anymore. Not because they are a bad unit but because it has been impossible to get parts or servicing. I'm not going to undo all the wiring loom on my trailer to remove the unit and send it away when I can do it in place and have the knowledge. If you want to know where to get the parts and have the mechanical knowledge to give it a go get in touch and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Castaway Oz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Oct 2019 at 9:49pm
Castaway Oz View Drop Down
Bronze
Bronze


Joined: 10 Oct 2019
Status: Offline
Points: 1
Hello Diorama. I am a first time user of any forum and I stumbled across this by chance as I searched for info. Re: Sensabrake repair. Would you have information on parts, photos of your work on your own unit and or places to source parts in Australia (Queensland). The problem described and your fix sounds exactly what I was after. I have just spent a fortune on bearing replacement, marine brake pad replacements and a new set of tyres for my trailer and I am very keen to save dollars and fix the problem myself. I am not really sure how this all works but I see that replies will be e-mailed to me so I will check there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Nickbick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Mar 2022 at 4:50pm
Nickbick View Drop Down
Bronze
Bronze


Joined: 25 Mar 2022
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Hi Diorama

I have a Sensabrake unit and it sounds like I have the same issue with the brakes sticking slightly due to some hydraulic pressure still in the system.
I called Jim who was mentioned in this thread who told me that the seals are no longer available to buy so I would have to buy a whole new unit.
I would love to get some new seals and keep the old unit going. It seems such a waste to replace it just due to a few seals.
Can you please let me know if I can buy the seals anywhere? And if so where?
Feel free to call or text me Nick 021 043 8444
Thanks
Back to Top
Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote kimber7wsm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Mar 2022 at 7:13am
kimber7wsm View Drop Down
Silver
Silver


Joined: 28 Nov 2020
Status: Offline
Points: 490
Strip the seals out and take them to someone like a outfit that deals in seals (ha, that rhymes!)-Seal House, Seal Imports, Seal Innovations etc. They should be able to source something for you. Just make sure you tell them the seals need to be brake fluid compatible.

I'd be surprised if they don't have something suitable in stock.
Back to Top
Forum Jump
Forum Permissions View Drop Down


This page was generated in 0.301 seconds.

Fishing Reports Visit Reports

Saltwater Fishing Reports
Top of the South Fishing Report - 22/03/24

Tasman and Golden Bay snapper still running hot We are not far away from daylight... Read More >

22 Mar 2024
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Bay of Islands Fishing Report - 22/03/24

Variety is the spice of life On one recent trip, the plan was to spend a... Read More >

22 Mar 2024
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Hauraki Gulf Fishing Report - 22/03/24

Fish where the fish are! Catching fish or just going fishing? I tackle this issue... Read More >

22 Mar 2024
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Inner Hauraki Gulf Fishing Report - 22/03/24

Thoughtful tactics required for better fish Over the course of each year the fishing varies,... Read More >

22 Mar 2024
Fishing bite times Fishing bite times

Major Bites

Minor Bites

Major Bites

Minor Bites