Tie Down 125 Actuator - Manual (Page 7)

Bleeding Instructions for Model 125 Brake Actuator
Tools needed:
Large flat blade screwdriver, Medium flat blade
screwdriver, DOT 3 brake fluid
The 12.5 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 12.5 use brake
fluid from the master cylinder to prime the dampener. The 12.5
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 and the safety pin.
Using the flat blade screwdriver, pry down the E-stop
release (Photo 1). Wedge the safety pin under the rear edge
of the E-stop release. This will keep the locking mechanism
out of the way while you are bleeding the brakes (Photo 2).
3. The master cylinder is pumped by inserting the large flat
blade screw driver 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 3). Insert the large flat blade screwdriver into the
opening on the side in front of the plate (Photo 4). Remove
the smaller screwdriver in the top hole. This will give you
more leverage to pump the cylinder.
4. Pump the cylinder two or three times only. 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 safety pin from the E-stop catch. Make sure the
catch is released fully by being flat against the bottom of the
actuator (Photo 5).
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5