New Bendix Brake Sticking

jjonas9019 · 01-18-2012, 08:50 PM

I have a 2004 Holiday Rambler on a Workhorse chassis. All four brake calibers were replaced twice in the last four years. Once with the original Bendix brakes and approximately a year ago under the Workhorse brake recall with the new version of the calibers. The second replacement was a complete replacement including all calibers, all rotors. all pads, and three of the ABS sensors. The work was done by Monument Chevrolet in Deer Park, Texas. The vehicle never performed better after the second brake replacement. I have used the MH regularly over the last year. It has been driven at least every other weekend. On a recent drive near San Antonio, I had to stop quickly in normal interstate traffic. At least one brake caliber stuck once we resumed traveling. I noticed the engine laboring and spotted smoke in the rear view mirrors. I pulled over and reversed direction and the brake caliber freed up. The balance of the trip was uneventful. However, given my extensive history with problem brakes on this chassis, I remain very concerned. So to the meat of the question. Is anyone else having problems with the new brakes on a Workhorse chassis? If so, what has been done?

JonBrazel · 01-18-2012, 09:24 PM

I think you mean Bosch brake calipers.

edgray · 01-20-2012, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjonas9019

I have a 2004 Holiday Rambler on a Workhorse chassis. All four brake calibers were replaced twice in the last four years..... The second replacement was a complete replacement including all calibers, all rotors. all pads, and three of the ABS sensors......... The vehicle never performed better after the second brake replacement........ On a recent drive near San Antonio, I had to stop quickly in normal interstate traffic. At least one brake caliber stuck once we resumed traveling. I noticed the engine laboring and spotted smoke in the rear view mirrors. I pulled over and reversed direction and the brake caliber freed up...... However, given my extensive history with problem brakes on this chassis, I remain very concerned. So to the meat of the question. Is anyone else having problems with the new brakes on a Workhorse chassis? If so, what has been done?

jjonas9019: To answer your question......NO, I don't recall hearing of many, if ANY, issues with sticking calipers AFTER the Bosch brake recall has been completed. So your situation is somewhat a mystery. However, that has never before stopped forum members here from expressing their opinions....and here is mine:

Since practically everything was replaced during the recall, I would "suspect" you may have a bad brake line HOSE or two that is not allowing the applied pressure to bled off as it should. The only other condition I can think of is the "new" pads got hot enough during your "panic stop" that they stuck to the new rotors. THAT is not susposed to happen, but since you got them free by backing up.....I don't have anything else to offer.

If your further investigation of the situation turns up a different reason, please come back and let us know what caused the overheat. THANKS,
Ed

az bound · 01-20-2012, 03:19 PM

When was the last time the slide pins were cleaned and lubed? It is recommended that it be done annualy.

DriVer · 01-20-2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjonas9019

Is anyone else having problems with the new brakes on a Workhorse chassis? If so, what has been done?

I have not had any problems with my new replacement "Calipers" my brakes are working perfectly.

jjonas9019 · 01-22-2012, 06:09 AM

All, Thanks for the feed back on the brake calibers and the correction on the name of the brand of brakes. First, it was very reassuring to find out that there had been no other noted problems with the new brake systems. I will check the brake calibers and lubricate the pins. That seems to me to be an excellent place to start. I will check the brake hoses. I appreciate your help and support.

Jeb

edgray · 01-22-2012, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjonas9019

All, Thanks for the feed back on the brake calibers.... I will check the brake calibers and lubricate the pins........ I appreciate your help and support.

Jeb

Jeb: be aware that in order to properly lube the slide pins, one must remove the pin, clean out all the old grease, and re-apply a special heat resistant grease made specifically for brake applications. The new calipers came with new grease packs, and proper lubing during installation "should" have been done as the recall was being completed.

mfire1339 · 01-25-2012, 01:04 PM

jjonas9019, You may still have some old fluid in the system. A fluid flush may be needed.

Mike

jjonas9019 · 01-30-2012, 09:12 PM

All, Thanks for the additional information. You were a big help. Hopefully, I can return the favor somewhere down the line.

Jeb

**"007"** · 02-01-2012, 04:45 PM

When my brakes were replaced it was test driven and the brakes were applied hard a few times to work the pads, tech said needed to be done to brake in the pads.
In fact they heated up.

Driven like a UPS truck.
If not done the pads will get a glaze on them especially when people brake lightly on brake pedal.

Bobs911 · 02-24-2012, 11:00 PM

We experienced the hanging calipers going through LA to Quartsite last month. Stopped, cooled them off and finished our trip using conservative braking. Looks like we stopped before any damage. I have the front calipers off now and I'm shopping for replacements.

Does anyone have an opinion on the CARDONE re-man calipers? Do they have the increased clearance and upgraded pistons? They seem to be the best price, but I don't want to install junk. I've read that B&W is good, but can't determine who carries their brand.

73mm Bosch 4153222

Thanks

edgray · 02-25-2012, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobs911

...........................73mm Bosch 4153222....do they have the increased clearance and upgraded pistons?........Thanks

Bobs911: as you apparently know, the caliper you listed is NOT the caliper used and recalled by Workhorse. We have been told that the "fix" for our calipers involved a larger piston bore clearance, among other things.

I'm thinking the answer to your question needs to be answered by the source of the calipers you decide to purchase, either Bosch or the rebuilder, if you choose to go re-man. Good luck!