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Topic: using laser temp guage (Read 422 times) previous topic - next topic

using laser temp guage

It is a very good idea to check brake temps periodically as you might save some big bucks by catching a problem before serious damage. This has been discussed many times before, but here is an example of what can be found. Coming back from my first job this morning I noticed my left rear driver drum was 288 deg. and the other drums were 110 deg. I found the problem and only had to replace a seal that over heating had caused it to be suspect and a spring. The shoes were still good. A spring had broken in the brake can and the brake was dragging. Total cost spring $2.69 seal $42.00 labor nothing. I am posting it even though it isn't a Foretravel , as it could just as easily happen to a coach.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: using laser temp guage

Reply #1 –
The big difference here is the watchful eye of an owner

over an employee that might have not have done anything. 

Glad you caught it before it failed a smoke test.

Carter-

Re: using laser temp guage

Reply #2 –
Quote from: craneman –
A spring had broken in the brake can and the brake was dragging.
Just want to be sure I understand what happened here.

Is this correct: the broken spring is the one that applies pressure to the brake shoes when you set the "parking brake".  When you are driving, air pressure normally compresses the spring, taking the spring pressure off the brake shoes.  When the spring broke, the broken piece interfered with the normal retraction movement of the rod inside the canister, causing the brake shoes to drag.

Do I have that (approximately) correct?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: using laser temp guage

Reply #3 –
You are kind of correct. There is a spring you are correctly describing however the one in the picture is a separate spring in the other half. The spring in the picture is right where the pushrod comes out. It is a return spring the retract the pushrod when the brakes are released. They aren't very strong to start with.
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: using laser temp guage

Reply #4 –
OK - I think I got it.  The return spring broke, so it did not have sufficient strength to retract the shoes, so they were dragging.

Thanks!  ^.^d
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: using laser temp guage

Reply #5 –
Yes this is a return spring in addition to the spring on the shoes. Besides dragging, the pieces can jam the piston from applying the brakes too. This would be very important on my coach as it is the only spring to pull the slack adjuster rod back. That axle on my truck does not have a maxi on it. The front driver axle has the parking brake. If I had ordered the truck new it would have had maxi's on both drive axles.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean