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How to Bleed an AL-KO iQ7 Hydraulic Brake System

Correctly bleeding your AL-KO iQ7 hydraulic braking system is essential for safe and effective trailer braking. Air trapped in the system will significantly reduce braking performance and may lead to brake failure.

This guide explains the correct bleeding procedure using the AL-KO iQ7 pressure bleed gun, following manufacturer instructions.

Products Used in This Guide

This guide applies specifically to the following products sold on our website:

What You’ll Need

⚠️ Important:
Only use clean, uncontaminated brake fluid. Do not reuse old fluid.

Step-by-Step: Bleeding the AL-KO iQ7 System

1. Fill the Reservoir

Fill the actuator reservoir with clean brake fluid to just below the top of the sight glass.

Do not overfill.

2. Fit the Pressure Bleed Gun

  • Gently place the bleed gun socket over the reservoir neck

  • Apply light pressure only to seat the socket correctly

  • Screw the lid on to secure the socket

⚠️ Do not use excessive force — this can damage the reservoir or O-ring.

3. Prepare the Bleed Gun Hose

Place the free end of the bleed gun hose into a container of fresh brake fluid.

The hose end must remain submerged at all times.

4. Start With the Furthest Calliper

  • Begin bleeding at the calliper furthest from the actuator

  • Open the bleed screw at least one full turn

  • Fit a clear hose over the bleed screw

  • Submerge the other end of the hose into brake fluid

5. Pump the Bleed Gun

  • Slowly squeeze the pressure bleed gun repeatedly

  • Do not pump too fast (this can cause cavitation)

  • Ensure:

    • The brake fluid reservoir does not run dry

    • The fluid level never drops below the minimum indicator

6. Remove All Air

Continue pumping until:

  • Brake fluid in the clear hose is free of air bubbles

Once clear:

  • Tighten the bleed screw securely

7. Repeat for Remaining Callipers

  • Move to the next furthest calliper and repeat the process

  • On the opposite side of the trailer, start with the closest calliper to the actuator

8. Activate the Actuator

  • Connect the trailer to the tow vehicle

  • Turn ignition on to activate the iQ7 actuator

  • Allow the compressor to fully charge (approx. 90 seconds)

Once charged:

  • Apply brakes and hold for 5 seconds

  • Release

  • Repeat 4 times

9. Final Fluid Check

  • Check the reservoir fluid level

  • Fluid must not exceed the top of the sight glass

  • Refit the reservoir cap

IMPORTANT – Before Removing the Bleed Gun

Before disconnecting the pressure bleed gun:

  • Ensure the gun has fully returned to its rest position

  • Confirm no pressure remains in the system

Failure to do this may cause:

  • Brake fluid spillage

  • Paint damage

  • Fluid contamination

Priming the Pressure Bleed Gun

Before first use:

  1. Set the dose adjuster to 12.5 ml

  2. Hold the applicator vertically upward

  3. Fully squeeze the handle until all air is expelled from the gun and tubing

Lubricating the Bleed Gun

The bleed gun includes a felt washer for lubrication.

To re-lubricate:

  • Remove the barrel

  • Dip the piston (O-ring and felt washer) into brake fluid

❌ Do not use mineral-based oils (e.g. CRC)

Critical Warnings

⚠️ Correct bleeding is essential for safe braking
⚠️ Never allow the actuator to run without brake fluid
⚠️ The iQ7 actuator must not be used to bleed the system
⚠️ Do not continuously pump the bleed gun with all bleed screws closed
⚠️ The hose end must always remain submerged in brake fluid

Failure to follow manufacturer instructions may:

  • Damage equipment

  • Reduce braking performance

  • Void product warranty

  • Cause serious injury or property damage

Source

This guide is based on AL-KO iQ7 Hydraulic Bleeding Instructions provided by AL-KO Australia.

AL-KO-IQ7-Hydraulic-Bleed-Instr…

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