W16 with JM6 Brakes

[KJINTF]

Hi,

A few things I need some help with
1 - Who is the manufacturer of the JM6 brakes on the W16 chassis?
2 - Have there been any recalls on them?
I have noticed the brake pedal become soft and the brakes fade, while using low gear down long grades. I see the older less heat tolerant & mositure resistant practically obsolete DOT 3 fluid is called for. Anyone ever used glycol DOT 5.1?

Regards
Ken

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJINTF Hi, A few things I need some help with

I try to help you as best as I can.

Quote:

1 - Who is the manufacturer of the JM6 brakes on the W16 chassis?

Brembo

Quote:

2 - Have there been any recalls on them?

No. The only brakes subject to a recall are JLP or can be more easily identified if the 6th character in your VIN# is a 6. All of those vehicles are a part of the Bosch Caliper recall, 50901-C.

Quote:

I have noticed the brake pedal becomes soft and the brakes fade, while using low gear down long grades. I see the older less heat tolerant & moisture resistant practically obsolete DOT 3 fluid is called for. Anyone ever used glycol DOT 5.1?

DOT3 is far from being obsolete. Just replace the fluid regularly at a 2 year and 36,000 mile interval WCF and it will work just fine.

If as you say you are in low gear, I'm not sure how that overheats your brakes. Would you be in 1st gear, 2nd or 3rd? Remember to leave your foot off the brake pedal. Apply a healthy dose of pedal to scrub speed for up to 2 seconds and completely release the pedal. It's important to get off the brakes and allow them to cool. If your brakes do not issue a soft pedal under normal driving situations (terrain), please check your technique.

You can certainly use DOT 5.1 if you want to but it will still have the same replacement interval so there is no need to spend the money. If you would prefer a DOT4, that would increase the boiling point of the fluid however if one stays off the brakes or applies them in a manner consistent with a slow ABS technique (pumping brakes) that should help in controlling brake fluid temperatures on grades.

[KJINTF]

Hi again,
Thanks for the recall update
Yes indeed I use the "slow abs method" you suggest and use 1st gear when needed. Ever been to the top of Mesa Verde out of Cortez Colorado or the "hill" out of Jackson Hole Wyoming to Victor Idaho or the Moiese Montana Bison Range? The brakes were stressed big time on all of these even in low gear.
Thanks for the quick response on a Sunday morning
Ken

[Topflite51]

Can't speak to the road out of Cortez, nor the Moiese Montana Bison road, but the little hill between Jackson and Victor is nasty. Probably why there are warning signs at both ends. A friend did it, and when he found out we were going that way, warned us. We did drive it, but it was in the toad. Certainly not a road for the meek.

[KJINTF]

You are right not a road for the meek, with to many signs
Done that several times in the Rig
You need to check out the road up to the top of Mesa Verde it's a bit "better"
Then try the back road on the Bison Range 10 to 12% grade for several miles of gravel road but WELL worth the drive, Elk Bison Bear etc.. the wonders of Montana

Ken

[DriVer]

Quote:

Just replace the fluid regularly at a 2 year and 36,000 mile interval WCF and it will work just fine.

Check that!

Make that 2 years OR 24,000 miles WCF.