Brake Maintenance-P32 & WH Chassis

[JC2]

Short but interesting article from another forum contributor.
http://blog.rv.net/2009/03/02/...-your-coach-a-brake/

The last paragraph apparently indicates that they are looking for volunteers who have had previous brake problems on certain W20/W22 chassis and live in the Oregon area to try a new type brake rotor setup on a test.
"For Workhorse applications, we’re happy to announce that we have just introduced a new brake rotor specifically designed to withstand heavy-duty use and high temperature. This rotor isn’t any larger than the original, because we wanted it to be a bolt-in replacement for the stock part, but it does have additional vanes to help dissipate heat and prevent cracking. More importantly, it is made from a high-carbon alloy with copper and molybdenum for high-temperature strength and durability. To make absolutely sure these brakes work as we intended, we’re currently seeking Workhorse W20/W22 owners in the Southern Oregon area that are willing to have these rotors fitted on their coach at no charge. It would be helpful if your coach had already experienced brake issues so we know that our product solves any problems decisively. The pictures below show the new rotor, as well as the new rotor compared to the stock rotor so you can see the additional vanes."

[Brazels RV Performance]

The interesting thing though is the problem is with the Brake Calipers...Not The rotors!

[Tenn.Vol.]

I agree, as BOTH of my overheating problems occured on the same caliber,
driver side rear.....TENN.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally posted by Brazels RV Performance: The interesting thing though is the problem is with the Brake Calipers...Not The rotors!

Mike, I agree with your assessment, I don't see a need for super rotors. As the NHTSA resolution is issued I believe we will see what the focus of the problem is. I am expecting to see that the rotors are impacted by the calipers however having working calipers, overheated rotors will have gone the route of the dinosaur.

If rotors are overheated with good calipers, that is totally a problem of not knowing how to properly operate the vehicle.

[tech@brazelsrv]

Far better to treat the cause rather than the symptom! IMO

[oemtech]

If it were a cooling problem why not have the rotors drilled and slotted?

[max49]

Sounds like a good idea to me. Maybe they will hold up better with the added heat the calipers cause and not crack so bad. I'm sure having to replace rotors because the heat cracks them , definitly makes the job more expensive.
Sounds like the best idea so far for limiting the damage caused by heat, especially if they don't cost more than the stock rotors.
But I do wonder why the thread was titled
"Brake Maintenance-P32 & WH Chassis" since it looks like the rotors are for a W-22.
The rotors on the P-32 are not the same as on a W-22, are they?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally posted by max49: Sounds like a good idea to me. Maybe they will hold up better with the added heat the calipers cause and not crack so bad.

I would believe that the brakes are bigger on the W Series since they have to stop more weight. Slotted and vented rotors are great on vehicles that require several brake application cycles in a short period of time under heavy load conditions as a normal routine. Example of this would be a Corvette at speed on a test track. Not lost here would also be the fact that there would be increased cost for these types of rotors as well.

Our motorhomes on the other hand require heavy brake applications infrequently and if at all possible the service brake should be employed minimally.

Our motorhome rotors have had a tendency to exhibit small heat cracks. We are advised that this is normal and in large part I believe due to driving techniques if nothing else. If on the other hand a rotor surface develops a fracture this alludes to the fact that a severe overheat condition existed and in my opinion could be caused by an autonomous caliper application. Why the caliper exhibits this type of operation will be known shortly I understand and we are all waiting for the results of the NHTSA investigation.

Having learned a bit about emergency medical procedures I would have to agree with Steve when he suggests; "Far better to treat the cause rather than the symptom!"

[Richard 34A]

I applaud any company that is willing to do research and development and spend financial resources to improve the brake components of our W-series chassis, in the interest of resolving the brakes issues. Unfortunately, I too feel that while improving the rotors to able to withstand higher heat is a good thing and lessen the chance of cracked rotors, I feel that the problem is more related to the calipers and the improvement will need to be made there to actually eliminate further brake issues. Hopefully some members here in the Oregon area will take them up on their offer and report back; if nothing else, these rotors might be something to consider if your changing them out anyway.

The article does point out "Brake caliper slides and pins are important too, because if they get sticky, they can cause the brakes to drag."

[max49]

Quote:

Originally posted by JC2: The last paragraph apparently indicates that they are looking for volunteers who have had previous brake problems on certain W20/W22 chassis and live in the Oregon area to try a new type brake rotor setup on a test. "For Workhorse applications, we’re happy to announce that we have just introduced a new brake rotor specifically designed to withstand heavy-duty use and high temperature. This rotor isn’t any larger than the original, because we wanted it to be a bolt-in replacement for the stock part, but it does have additional vanes to help dissipate heat and prevent cracking. More importantly, it is made from a high-carbon alloy with copper and molybdenum for high-temperature strength and durability. To make absolutely sure these brakes work as we intended, we’re currently seeking Workhorse W20/W22 owners in the Southern Oregon area that are willing to have these rotors fitted on their coach at no charge. It would be helpful if your coach had already experienced brake issues so we know that our product solves any problems decisively."

If I had a W=22 and lived any where near OR, I think I would jump on this opportunity like stink on doo doo.
Holy cow, everybodys been asking if there are any aftermarket brake parts. This is the first attempt I've seen at trying to fix the problem. Everybody else just replaces rotors, calipers, ABS's etc with the same stock parts that have been problematic for so many of you.
And a sticking caliper will cause heat just like a hot rod Corvette driver might heat up his brakes so a better heat dissipating rotor certainly can't hurt.

[JCM]

At least someone is doing something about the problem instead of just talking about it. It may not be the total answer but why are the pads usually not worn out but the rotors are cracked. It is at least a step foreword.
Driver you say "Our motorhomes on the other hand require heavy brake applications infrequently and if at all possible the service brake should be employed minimally". That works great until you are caught in 4-5 hours of rush hour stop and go traffic or going down a hill like on 84 at Pendleton Oregon.
I would like to see Workhorse and Bosch step up but I don't expect much. I hope I am wrong and it happens soon (6 years after the problem started). Meanwhile my hat is off to Henderson for being proactive. I wish I lived in southern Oregon (for now).

[mike brez]

Quote:

Originally posted by tech@brazelsrv: Far better to treat the cause rather than the symptom! IMO

And when Henderson puts them on the market to sell you will be selling them also. Just like all of the other Henderson products that you sell. I can see it now Ulrta Rotors.

[skipwil]

SOUNDS like the wagon is getting loaded. my concern would be liability (theirs or the coach owner) if you had a major stopping problem. w/h calipers/pins/pads-their rotors + the driver. sure could get complicated if there's a legal issue as to fault.
just my opinion.

[Brazels RV Performance]

And when Henderson puts them on the market to sell you will be selling them also. Just like all of the other Henderson products that you sell. I can see it now Ulrta Rotors.[/QUOTE]

Mike Brez,

We carry the Super Steer products proudly, we sell their Bellcranks & Springs, we build our own trac bars. When I worked at Henderson's we had to have a Manufacturing name so we came up with Super Steer, Just like at Brazel's we came up with UltraTrac. Now I will tell you that Henderson's does not make their own springs...They just box them, so they are essentially doing the same thing. It's called marketing, we buy massive quantities of upgrade component's & resell them, since we buy such large quantities we are able to market them how we wish. If you cared to look the Bellcrank's & Springs are Super Steer blue, Not UltraTrac Red like OUR Trac bars. Maybe we will develop some new Calipers.....Well call them <span class="ev_code_RED">Ultrastop</span> LMAO!!!!! But you can bet we will not try putting a bandaid over a bullett hole!