It Finally is Happening to Me

[2-bone]

On my return from a 200 mile trip, the last 20mi. being in city traffic, started to feel my Rig start to pull to the right when applying the brakes. I was about 5 mi. from home and made it safely and it is parked in the drive. Prior to this trip I took preventative measures by flushing the brake fluid with 3qts. of Dot3. It had been done previously 2yrs. & 8000mi. ago when I had all pads replaced at40,000 mi. What should I do now? Will WH. Service do anything for me if the brake calipers are not seized to a point that it is inoperable? Will rebleeding do any good? At this point, when I raise the wheels off the ground they still turn be hand although the right front turns harder than the left. I have a campout planned for thurs. about 10mi. away, should I see what happens now that they've cooled down? Please advise.

[RottenRalph]

Certainly more qualified people can give your more accuate answers but here is my opinion.

I'm assuming you have a WH chassis but even if you have another make, I would change the sticking caliper and hose and at least flush the fluid out of that area. I don't think rebleeding alone would do any good. Once the caliper pistons have absorbed enough moisture, they are no longer repairable.

I myself would not go to a WH service center because 1) It cost about the same if I replace the caliper myself VS taking the time and gas to transport to the closest WH shop. 2) If you get it to the WH shop, you are taking a gamble on the service writers knowledge and attitude toward the problem. I'm not saying WH will not repair it, I'm just saying it may be like pulling teeth to go through the process. 3) I don't want to leave the MH at the shop for weeks for a 1 hour repair.

Good luck

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2-bone I have a campout planned for thurs. about 10mi. away, should I see what happens now that they've cooled down? Please advise.

2-bone, 10 miles ???? Go to the Campout you'll be fine. Knowing the condition exists just be conservative with your brake applications and use select shifting when slowing down.

[Fred and Bonnie]

How can anyone advise a user to "Go Ahead" and use the coach with a know issue as serious as brakes. We know that all the preventative maintenance in the world will not prevent a brake failure if the pistons have absorbed sufficient atmospheric moisture to cause a problem.

How do you know if your pistons have absorbed enough moisture to cause a problem,--YOU DON'T--You'r dealing with a time bomb.

Fred

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie You're dealing with a time bomb.

Fred, Honestly; There aren't any time bombs. It is more likely that the OP will be able to run 10 miles to his camping destination than not. All he needs to do is moderate the application of the brakes and take his time.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2-bone What should I do now? Will WH. Service do anything for me if the brake calipers are not seized to a point that it is inoperable?

2-Bone, Like anything else if it ain't broke when you bring it there they are not going to want to accomplish a repair. That's just the way the program is setup. It's just the same as an after market insurance claim, WCC will fix the broken part if it's broke when they see it.

Quote:

Will rebleeding do any good?

Although you may want to just simply bleed the pulling caliper a little, I would not go crazy since the failure presented within a very short distance from your destination. I don't expect that you will need to replace all the fluid.

Quote:

At this point, when I raise the wheels off the ground they still turn be hand although the right front turns harder than the left.

Try it now, I would bet that the right will probably have the same tension as the left. The drag improves the more you let the caliper cool.

I would try to run the 10 miles to your campout. Just to check, pull over in 5 miles and check for a heat condition on the right front tire. If it's warm, allow it to cool somewhat and then go for the other 5 miles. If you stay off the brakes as much as possible, I don't expect that the caliper will catastrophically fail. Go Camping!

[poorfarmer]

i agree with driver, go camping! just got back from a 400 mile round trip no brake issues just watch the lights and traffic and downshift as much as possible and take it easy on the brakes and they will be just fine. the fun i had this weekend was way worth the extra driving effort

[2-bone]

Those were my thoughts. kinda needed re-inforcement. I'll post on mon. when I return. Thanks, 2-bone

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2-bone Those were my thoughts. kinda needed re-inforcement. I'll post on mon. when I return. Thanks, 2-bone

to help moderate brake temperature, i use the driveshaft mounted parking brake to hold my moho when stopped at red lights and in heavy traffic. sometimes, i shift the ally to neutral.

[jdsr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie How can anyone advise a user to "Go Ahead" and use the coach with a know issue as serious as brakes. We know that all the preventative maintenance in the world will not prevent a brake failure if the pistons have absorbed sufficient atmospheric moisture to cause a problem. How do you know if your pistons have absorbed enough moisture to cause a problem,--YOU DON'T--You'r dealing with a time bomb. Fred

DOUBLE AMEN. Wow, site unseen brake inspection over the internet. What will they think of next.

[Topflite51]

I will just have to get my tools and fix the brakes over the internet.

[jdsr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topflite51 I will just have to get my tools and fix the brakes over the internet.

Do we get a discount since its over the internet?The only thing that will get dirty is the keyboard.

[Topflite51]

I am a retired ASE Master and former shop owner, if someone that worked for me gave that kind of advice, they would be fired in a NY minute. The OP'er has a brake issue, it should be PHYSICALLY inspected and taken care of by someone knowledgeable in brakes. It is irresponsible to give that kind of advice out.

[777 Driver]

I work in the air transportation industry. The lives of hundreds of people are entrusted to my care, regularly.

One of my instructors, years ago, suggested that every decision made should be weighed from this perspective, "Start at the hearing and work backwards."

Imagine yourself testifying, after something bad has happened.

"So, Mr. Jones, on the trip immediately preceding the accident, you noticed that your brakes were NOT functioning properly?"

"Yes."

"Are you aware of a known issue with the brake systems on coaches similar to yours?"

"Yes."

"Were you so concerned with the safety of your brake system that you posted a question on IRV2.com seeking advice about further use of your coach before correcting the brake system?"

"Yes."

"And, can you describe, in your own words, exactly why you felt it was safe to operate your coach, knowing that your coach's braking system was not functioning properly and that other users of similar coaches had described partial loss of braking after their coaches exhibited similar characteristics?"

"Ummm, well, no I can't"

Start at the hearing and work backwards.

Take care,
Stu