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Topic: Brake replacement question... (Read 1289 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Brake replacement question...

Reply #25 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Once you have the Rockwell model (should be visible), I can send the part number quickly. Should be a ADB-1540, ADB-1560 or a ADB-1760. Pads alone or complete kits are available.

Attached is a photo of the 1991 Rockwell Parts Book cover page.
pierce, I was just looking up info on brakes & rotors replacement for the rear of my coach . I was getting new tires put on yesterday & the tire man showed me that one of the rear rotors had a crack that went all the way threw. Not good so I'm going to get on it right away . On Ebay there's a Rockwell parts booklet that was released in1987 for their disc brakes... i couldn't fine one that was revised in 1991 as the one you have . This looks like a big job :( Thanks Pierce for all help.
Pierce
1992 U300 Anniversary Edition wrong color DDC6v92T Big step up from my 1983 35' fc Blue Bird .

Re: Brake replacement question...

Reply #26 –
It is a pretty big job if you're doing it yourself, lovetogo.  I did it on mine and it was a great learning experience.  Definitely download the Meritor service manual and make sure you have all the info to get the sizes for the spindle nuts.  Also, the rotor assembly is pretty heavy.  Make sure you have help on hand to move it.  My local NAPA was able to get the replacement rotor.

Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Brake replacement question...

Reply #27 –
Carl,

If you don't already know DO NOT take apart the rear air brake chambers (cans)  They have a large spring in them that applies the parking/emergency brake.  It can cause serious injury if it's not caged first.  If the can is badly rusted it can fly apart without warning.  Safety first!

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Brake replacement question...

Reply #28 –
You can go to:  Air Brakes: Technical/Components/Caging [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki]  Checking and repairing them is a good idea as I have had one fail at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park. After parking to photo the marmots, I could not release the brakes. I must have tried to release them one hundred times until finally, they released. As Keith posts above, you can get hurt if you don't know the simple procedure to cage the spring. You can then buy a new can or repair yours. The parts are not expensive and easy to do. Here is a quote:

"Broken springs account for 85 to 90 percent of the faulty brake chambers we find in our shop," says Paul Tidrick, a mechanic at Taylor Truck Line in Northfield, Minn. "But leaking diaphragms are responsible for about 100 percent of our brake chamber breakdowns."

"The difference is understandable. Mechanics look for defects, but most drivers do not (beyond their daily inspections, that is). The usual air chamber failure starts when one of the internal springs, fatigued by repeated application and road-chemical-induced corrosion, busts into several pieces. This often goes unnoticed because the remaining brakes continue to work normally, stopping the truck and holding it still when parked. Eventually, though, these jagged parts poke a hole in one of the chamber's two diaphragms (also called pancakes). That gets people's attention – and empties their wallets."

Once you have it apart, you can clean it with a small handheld sandblaster from HF http://www.harborfreight.com/21-oz-hopper-gravity-feed-spot-blaster-gun-95793.html  for $20. I found mine for $12. I have even used it today. Then use a spray chromate self etching primer and reassemble. A fun project that takes less than an hour.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Brake replacement question...

Reply #29 –
A complete new brake chamber (can) is probably under $100. Likely easier than tearing the old one apart and messing with all the stuff. You just have to cut the rod and install everything.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Brake replacement question...

Reply #30 –
Not a bad idea to replace the air lines running to the Spring/air brake chambers. NAPA has the brake chambers and the air hose.
Like Keith said, cage the chambers before removing ( a simple process).
Make sure you chock the tires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.