Hi all, we have a 1991 u300 and the brakes are not very good. I am thinking that it must be the brake linings are probably contaminated and need changing as they are at least 10 years old. We have not done many miles so pretty sure they are not worn out. I am struggling to find part numbers and need help. I have been through the manual and all that I know is that they are 4M Dura-Master disc brakes. Can anybody please help. Thank you.
Andy,
Are you going to do the brake work yourself, or go to a shop? The most positive way to identify the correct brake pad set is to pull out the old ones and check the part number. In some cases you can see the part number on the edge of the pads while they are still installed. Visibility varies with different brake models.
I found a couple reference documents. Don't know if they actually pertain to your brake model or not...
http://cbsparts.ca/admin/catalogue/75203_PB1461ADBinfo.pdf (Page 30-34)
http://www.fgiltd.com/pdf/TransOther.pdf
Meritor/Europe: http://www.meritor.com/productsandservices/europe/europe_sales.aspx
Brakes don't go bad with age. Why do you think they are contaminated? The disc brakes are not very good when cold. Do they seem to stop poorly after being driven and used?
If this were my coach, I would first take it to a big truck shop and have it checked out, they could be out of adjustment, the slack adjusters may need to be lubed and checked for proper operation, the calipers may need to be lubed, these are just some of the things to check first. ^.^d
Thanks for all your advice. I think the reason the brakes are not good is because our bus does stay standing for a year at a time and the discs go rusty and then all that rust transfers to the pads. They have never been good enough to lock a wheel. Maybe I am expecting too much. Every year in the U.K. we have to have a ministry test and last year the brakes were not good enough to pass.
The Meritor discs are found on fire trucks. Go to a main fire station and talk to their maintenance guy to see who they send their trucks to.
First stop of the day is longer. Like above advice, slack adjusters, lub, etc. I have the part numbers for Meritor. Unless sticking, the pad last a very long time.
Pierce
If that is the case just have them clean the pads and rotors. New pads will have the same issues. Try driving and using the brakes in a stop and go fashion before testing.
Just now noticed you are in the U.K. After checking adjustments, etc, you could bump the compressor up 20 psi and test when the brakes are warm.
Pierce
Yes go to a large truck shop but be aware in trucking these brakes aren't all that common. If you can't find some one specifically experienced in these brakes find some one willing to read the manual rather than some one who thinks they can just figure it out on your dime. Correct adjustment is key as is mechanical condition. What is the test performed are they performance testing the stopping from a set speed or is it a park brake holding test.
Since you are in the United Kingdom, as they said above a large truck facility
would be the best place to start. Many things on the FT will interchange with
heavy duty truck all over the world.
Carter
Nac
Thank you all for the help. I will investigate how to check/adjust slack adjusters.
Meritor Instructions: http://www.cbsparts.ca/admin/bulletins/Meritor%20TP9173.pdf
Pierce