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Topic: Tag Axle wheel dragging (Read 1295 times) previous topic - next topic

Tag Axle wheel dragging

When driving at slow speeds, the right tag axle wheel stops when you apply the brakes even slightly, causing the tire to drag.  Brakes have been lubed and adjusted,  still stops.  Curious if the air pressure on the tag is low.  What should the pressure be?  Any other suggestions?
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #1 –
Sure sounds like you don't have any weight on that side.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #2 –
It does have enough to put a black mark on a paved parking lot.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #3 –
Steve,
If you determine that your tag air bags have plenty of air pressure along with the tire here is another thought. With your unit being an '05 it should have an ABS sensor on that wheel that should keep it from locking. I don't know if it is active all the way to a complete stop but it should be. You may need to check the spacing of the sensor. Also check the ohms of the sensor to see if it is shorted out.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #4 –
ABS usually doesn't work at extremely slow speeds. I don't get any dragging during normal operation because the tire temps show no increase.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #5 –
Steve,

Then with everything that you have checked in the brake system it does seem like air pressure or lack of.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #6 –
Does anyone know what the pressure should be in the tag axle system?
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #7 –
Have you weighed your rig.  That will tell you how much weight you are carrying.  I can lock mine up on both sides pretty easy if I hit the dump button. It does not lift but pulls the pressure off it.  That is what it sounds like is happening.  I will have to look up the pressure on the bags or you can call or email James Triana and get it from them. They probably have it easy to hand.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #8 –
Quote from: sedelange –
Does anyone know what the pressure should be in the tag axle system?

The manual for our '03 (should be similar) indicates there's a 100 psi regulator on the tag axle for the lift mechanism.

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #9 –
The 100 psi regulator is for the tag lift.  I need the pressure for when the tag is down.  I do see there are 20psi switches in the manifold which means the pressure should be above that.  If the drawing of the manifolds is complete, then the air pressure in the tag would be the same as the air pressure in the drive axle bags.  Now I am really curious why there is insufficient pressure on the tag wheels or if that is even the problem.  UGH
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #10 –
I forgot to say thanks for the drawing, Michelle.  My books are in the coach at Cummins.  They were attempting to contact Foretravel today for suggestions. 
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #11 –
You mentioned "lubed". If the brakes are improperly greased they will drag and possibly do serious damage. Brakes should only be greased when linings are changed and again at mid life of the linings following the Meritor proceedure.
You may already be aware but thought it should be mentioned because of the high cost to repair if driven with brakes dragging. There's been many threads concerning brake lubrication in the past.

You may want to check the slack adjuster on that wheel.
The brake can seriously overheat without affecting tire temperature.
David Bethard
2003 U320 - 40ft. Build #6159
ISM 500hp
2006 Jeep Liberty CRD
2021 Honda Goldwing DCT

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #12 –
Brakes were cleaned and the status of the grease was determined in an effort to determine the reason the wheel was stopping.  Brake temperatures were normal.  Hottest temperature recoded was 103F and that was after driving through town. 
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas
 

Re: Tag Axle wheel dragging

Reply #13 –
The problem is finally solved.  Turns out the solenoid that allows air into the air bag isn't working. Finally was able to get system to fail while in the shop.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas