More Brake info _W20

[JCM]

This came in in my Good Sam newsletter - today.

NHTSA Action Number :
PE07032
Make/Models: Model/Build Years:
Workhorse W20 2000–2005
Manufacturer :
Workhorse Custom Chassis
Component :
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Summary:

ODI has received reports on model year 2000–2005 Workhorse Chassis recreational vehicles with allegations of overheating disc brake calipers. Owners are claiming that in some cases the brakes begin to drag and lock up. ODI conducted interviews with complainants and several reported that during normal brake pedal applications, the brake linkage binds at a pivot point. The binding may contribute to inadequate release of the calipers causing the calipers to drag and overheat. Some owners also report the brake pedal goes to the floor. Overheating calipers, depending on the severity, may cause brake drag with premature pad wear, brake lockup, wheel end fire and possibly brake fluid boil and evaporation.

For more information, owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327– 4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

[JCM]

This came in in my Good Sam newsletter - today.

NHTSA Action Number :
PE07032
Make/Models: Model/Build Years:
Workhorse W20 2000–2005
Manufacturer :
Workhorse Custom Chassis
Component :
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Summary:

ODI has received reports on model year 2000–2005 Workhorse Chassis recreational vehicles with allegations of overheating disc brake calipers. Owners are claiming that in some cases the brakes begin to drag and lock up. ODI conducted interviews with complainants and several reported that during normal brake pedal applications, the brake linkage binds at a pivot point. The binding may contribute to inadequate release of the calipers causing the calipers to drag and overheat. Some owners also report the brake pedal goes to the floor. Overheating calipers, depending on the severity, may cause brake drag with premature pad wear, brake lockup, wheel end fire and possibly brake fluid boil and evaporation.

For more information, owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327– 4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

[Ron & Dee]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> <span class="ev_code_RED">the brake linkage binds at a pivot point</span> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Would proper lubrication eliminate this problem?

It seems to me that binding is different than rust or corrosion.

Thanks,

Ron

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ron & Dee:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> <span class="ev_code_RED">the brake linkage binds at a pivot point</span> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Would proper lubrication eliminate this problem? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Ron, The grease fitting (zerk) to accomplish the lubrication was absent on W series up to the 2004 model year I believe. My relay rod was retro fitted with a zerk fitting afterwards and I included it in my routine maintenance.

I am glad to report that my experience in greasing the relay rod has been successful with no evidence of binding. Most WCC shops that I know of will offer to install a zerk or you can have it done by a 2nd party or DIY. It's very inexpensive to do and it takes about 5 minutes.

In a previous post I offered how an owner can manually check if the relay rod is binding by grabbing and turning the rod clockwise and listening for the emergecy electric pump to kick in. Releasing the relay rod it should return to a neutral position via spring tension in the Bosch Hydro-Max and the motor will stop growling. This should be accomplished with the engine OFF. Many owners here have done this same proceedure with good results.

[jdsr]

ron, IMO lubing the pins did no good,installing zerk fittings, did no good. In fact when the mech did mine he said they had plenty of lube. Five weeks later my brakes failed. It shouldnt matter if its a w20 or w22 ch, the brakes are the same(according to wh). Please If anyone Is or has had a problem report It to nhtsa. I have already paid over 2000.00 to rpl my brakes and I am not trying to collect 1 dime from wh. I hate to say it but I think it will happen again. This is not a personal war against wh or anyone on this site but something this important I will post the facts. Try stopping 12 or 13 tons when they fail. scary, very scary

[Richard 34A]

DriVer;

Since I have a 2005 W20 chassis, how do I find out if this problem is related to an '05 chassis or only earlier models?

Thank you,

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Richard 34A:
Since I have a 2005 W20 chassis, how do I find out if this problem is related to an '05 chassis or only earlier models? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>If you are concerned about lubrication at the relay rod, you already have a grease fitting and it should be included in your normal maintenance schedule.

As far as I know there isn't a problem that needs fixin'. They're just looking into it. As soon as we know what the problem is we can then post who's affected and what the resolution is.

[Ron & Dee]

Driver,

Are they talking about the brake bell crank binding, or are they talking about the pins and slides or whatever it is connected to the calipers?

My brakes failed last year and I had to drive through Roanoke Virgina with no brakes.

I had the faulty caliper replaced and all the other caliper pins and slides cleaned and lubed.

800 miles later the right rear caliper froze up while waiting for other non related repairs at a WH facility.

Ron

[oemtech]

Ron,

Report it to NHTSA.

[jdsr]

ron, you need to report to nhtsa. If you do by phone it only takes a few minutes,or you can report on internet. If anyone has had problems with w20 or w22, please report. we need to get a solution to this serious problem.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ron & Dee:
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>Ron, Please check your PM.

[Ron & Dee]

THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM!

I was very lucky and fortunate when my breaks gave out as we had just come off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and was headed for Roanoke. When I got to the first stop light and applied the breaks, the break pedal went all the way to the floor and I had to pump the breaks to get stopped. By the time I got to the next light the breaks were completely gone and pumping didn't help.

The left rear wheel had gotten so hot that it had burned out the wheel sensor, melted the rubber boots, and probably could have started a fire.

As I look back on the incident now, I have visions of those runaway truck stops that you see in the mountains.

Thanks goodness for Guardian Angels,

Ron

[jdsr]

ron, I totally agree. IT Is very serious. The wh mech I took mine to the first said mine got so hot It should have caught fire. I have lost mine twice. try stopping one of these 12 ton beasts without brakes. to the ones who havnt had this happen, your lucky. But if you had you know just how serious it is. I just hope it gets a fix before its to late. I will say again, If you have had problems with your brakes,w20 or w22, report It. It only take a few minutes. The life you save could be your own(IMO).

[old460 country coacher]

Well I just MUST address this. I presently own a 1989 Country Coach which weighs in at 19,500# built on a Gillig Chassis.
This coach has just over 60,000 miles going over all the high passes out west 3 times, with a car in tow and 3 people aboard.

The running gear is a Ford 460 with the C6 transmission and I have NEVER EVER HAD THE BRAKES LOOKED AT, nor have I ever experienced Brake overheating of the Calipers, Pads etc.

My coach has only had the Alcoa wheels off to replace the tires, but NEVER, EVER any wear on the Brakes, or overheating with the same Load as your Workhorse Coaches, so there is definitely a design issue with Workhorse.

So what am I saying? According to Gillig they stated my brakes would outlast the engine and Transmission Without any service to them.

I firmly believe Workhorse who updated the capacity similiar to wt carrying of my coach Failed to properly increase the brakes in relation to the weight and everyone should report this and a recall should indeed be started.
I just BET the newest W22 Chassis has different sized calipers and larger pads then the 2002-2005 models due to this and this is not stated by Workhorse.
Tom