Tie Down 125 Alien Actuator - Manual (Page 7)

Bleeding Instructions for “Alien” Brake Actuator
Tools needed:
One Large flat blade screwdriver
Two Medium flat blade screwdrivers
DOT 3 brake fluid
The new 125 actuator from Tie Down Engineering uses a
different method of bleeding the master cylinder and brakes
from other models in the TDE line up. All TDE actuators use a
built in dampener system. All models except the 125 use brake
fluid from the master cylinder to prime the dampener. The 125
dampener is a sealed unit that is shipped pre-primed. There is
no need to fill the dampener before bleeding the brakes and the
dampener should not be tampered with.
1. Fill master cylinder with DOT 3 brake fluid. Never use any
silicone based brake fluids.
2. Lock open the E-stop release on the underside of the
actuator using a flat blade screwdriver. Wedge the
screwdriver under the rear edge of the E-stop release
(Photo 1). This will keep the locking mechanism out of the
way while you are bleeding the brakes (Photo 4).
3. The master cylinder is pumped by inserting the large flat
blade screwdriver through the opening on the right side
of the actuator where the E-stop cable exits the housing.
To make the large flat blade screw driver get a better
leverage point, first insert medium flat blade screwdriver in
the top of the actuator and pry back the narrow plate
(Photo 2). Insert the large flat blade screwdriver into the
opening on the side in front of the plate (Photo 3). Remove
the smaller screwdriver in the top hole. This will give you
more leverage to pump the cylinder from the side position.
4. Pump the cylinder two or three times only (Photo 4). Release
fully and repeat as needed until the brakes are bled and
the pumping action feels tight. This allows any air bubbles to
escape to the top of the master cylinder.
5. Check the fluid level of the master cylinder often during the
bleeding process. Do not allow it to go dry.
6. Remove the screwdriver from the E-stop catch. Make sure
the catch is released fully by being flat against the bottom of
the actuator (Photo 5).
For the latest information and updates go to:
http://tiedown.com/amarinedls.html
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Insert medium
screwdriver here
Screwdriver