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Topic: Air / Parking Brakes Explained (Read 923 times) previous topic - next topic

Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Jack Bradshaw has a great article in Foretravel Motorcade Magazine explaining how air and parking brakes work.

Well written using proper technical terms. 

It also points out the two different braking systems  Foretravel used: 
Meritor through 2004, and Dana / Bendix after 2004. 

We generally think that everyone has the same system used in our own coaches, so we need to be aware when sharing advice that others may have a different braking system.

Article is below:



Re: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #1 –
The midland-Grau antilock brake system is obsolete and non supported.  I found you cannot replace the antilock brake parts

You have to change the axles if yours fails if you want ABS.  Midland was bought up and their products scrapped.  Bendix?  Wanna bet?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #2 –
A good write up..... I read it yesterday, I knew the basics but was unaware of some of the built in safety features.  ^.^d

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #3 –
Be aware, this write-up does not apply to U225 and U240 which have wedge-type drum brakes. Used widely in Europe during that time.

Been too long since I inspected an ORED, so can't comment on their brake system.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #4 –
Most air brake ORED coaches had the wedge drum brakes but there were a few that had the 300 hp 3208 that had the cam drum brakes on the front.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #5 –
My FTX has s cam drum brakes on all wheels
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: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #6 –
You had a Hendrickson  chassis 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #7 –
 I had a look at that PDF and all it did was convince me that there is a lot of cross pollination on the subject of brakes.

1 PDF says Disc brakes on '88 and newer models ......I have an '88 and it's got Drums all round.

2 Not sure what a "wedge" brake is, I know what an S cam brake is as I have torn them down to replace shoes and speedy sleeves, bearings and races.

3 My '88 has S cam on the front axle with auto slack adjusters, with as far as I can ascertain 275 hp 3208 cat.

Mick 
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: Air / Parking Brakes Explained

Reply #8 –
 I have wedge rears and cam front.1987 sept chassis build date .
 3208 278HP  :)