Being somewhat obsolete myself, I found a NOS hydraulically actuated brake controller at a small town auto parts store. I have had them before on older vehicles and they work quite well. I have a '97 D2500 CTD and wonder if anyone knows whether the controller can work with the brake system on my truck? Thanks in advance....

Probably not. Most newer vehicles have smaller hydraulic oil reservoirs than old trucks

You will need an adaptor to hook into the master cylinder on the truck. It's basically a Tee but they seemed to be specific to the make of the truck (maybe due to different threads or location obstacles).I still have one on my 1986 chevy 2500 I used to tow our 5th wheel with. Discovered that eventhough it showed good voltage coming out of the 7pin plug it didn't work as well as the DrawTite electronic controller on my new truck. I have much better braking with the electronic controller over the hydraulic controller.

Saw one when looking for a new off roader and found a Jeep Grand Wagoneer whichhad a twist connection for the trailer brakesIt was hydraulic and assumed a new line from the MC all the way back to the rearbumperPassed, as could see how air would be introduced into the brake lines...if theone you found is of that typeI'd pass

If it's an old actuator which has a piston moving a potentiometer, than its probably a no-go. The newer ABS systems can be very sensitive to any extra fluid displacement. I'm not sure how much is OK, but its very little on the Ford/Bendix system.The newer hydraulic actuators use a pressure transducer (like MaxBrake) so there isn't any extra fluid displacement, making it compatible with ABS.Also keep in mind than most older brake controllers won't work with trailer disc brakes, which are slowly making their way into the market. Some of the new high-end fivers now have them, and they are becoming a more common aftermarket upgrade.

Your really not supposed to use those with ABS.

Hydraulically actuated brake controller? | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 07, 2013
wanderingbob wrote:
I believe they are not for the newer dual braking systems . Your master cylinder has two systems , one for front and one for rear . Also if you have ABS it will not work properly . I to loved dem old hydrolic system but I do not think they have made them for twenty years or so .

My MaxBrake DOES tap into the brake line where it comes out of the master cylinder. A fitting with a short piece of brake line and a Honeywell sensor on the end with a cable that goes to the controller.

Works great!
wittmeba
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
Yellermanx wrote:
ScottG wrote:
Your really not supposed to use those with ABS.

Not according Max Brake.

Get the Max Brake. It works Grrrrrreeeeaaaaattttt!!!!

Im not familiar with the system the OP posted, but I dont think you are talking about the same thing as the OP.

MaxBrake will work with a Hydraulic Brake Actuator such as Dexter or Carlisle as advertized. It relies on hydraulic brake pressure (pressure transducer tapped into the MBC) to produce the required 0-12VDC PWM output. The OP is referring to a brake controller that is hydraulically operated.

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Hydraulically actuated brake controller?

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