What brakes do I have???

[Gotta_P]

Being new to the Class A world, I have been reading many posts about the Workhorse Brake problem and pending recall. From what I understand, I am not effected by this recall being as I have the W24 Chassis, but that makes me wonder... What brand/type brakes do I have? Any help?

[speed racer]

Don't quote me but I beleive the w24 has a 4 piston brake caliper system that doesn't use slid pins. I do know the w24 is not on the recall list. The w20 and w22 have a 2 piston caliper design that uses slid pins and this is part of the problem.

[Gotta_P]

Speed Racer, Thanks for the reply! I have been reading the posts here and have gotten a really good understanding of the brand and type brakes involved in the recall as well as a good explanation of the problem and what's causing it. This Forum is an awesome resource! I'm just curious what brand/type brakes I have on my chassis, more curiosity than anything else...

[JonBrazel]

Your W24 has the Meritor Wabco brake system, you do not have the Bosch brake calipers like the W20/22.

[Breezeman]

Hey Gotta_P,

I was the same way when I bought my 02 Fleetwood Terra on P-32 chassis with 56,000 miles 2 years ago. Started reading about all the brake problems. So I pulled my front tires off just to check if there were any "visible" looking problems or issues. Everything "looked" good and I noticed that I have the 2 piston calipers and "BENDIX" stamped on them.
I have since read and been told that mine are not part of the brake problems.
Big sigh of relief there. A positive for me, I guess. I have also changed out my brake fluid a couple months ago. Just another preventative measure I have taken in the 2 years I've owned it.

Take care all,
Larry

[Gotta_P]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBrazel Your W24 has the Meritor Wabco brake system, you do not have the Bosch brake calipers like the W20/22.

Thanks Jon! Never heard of Meritor Wabco before, so hopefully they are a reputable company! As Larry mentioned, it is a relief knowing that as of today, I don't have to worry about being involved in a recall, or sweat about possible brake problems while waiting for the recall to occur! Thanks again for your response...

[JonBrazel]

www.meritorwabco.com


They are one of the biggest manufacturers of braking systems in the commercial driving industry...good system!

[Gotta_P]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBrazel www.meritorwabco.com They are one of the biggest manufacturers of braking systems in the commercial driving industry...good system!

Jon,

I'm on their site now, after posting my first response I Googled them, and was really surprised with all the hits (108,000)! Pretty robust systems from what I can tell from their site. Thanks again for your reply!

Paul

[EngineerMike]

The Meritor-Wabco 4 piston brake calipers use two pistons per side so pressure is directed against each disc brake pad to give even pressure from both sides of the caliper.
The Bosch (and other pin-slide, 2-piston) calipers push from one side and use the dual pin-slide mechanism to maintain alignment of the opposite side for a backing pressure. Pin lubrication is important on those to keep from binding the pins which are a cantilevered "beam" that gets torqued each time the brakes are applied; too much friction & pins bind & you get uneven pressure of pad on disc.

W/that said, no brake system is infallible. The Meritor calipers have been known to hang up, smoke the pads, etc., crack rotors from egregious sticking, etc. Although the vast majority of the time, the caliper will unstick on its own & a wheel-off inspection shows no damage was done. A regular, common sense, braking system inspection is a good idea when piloting 10 or 15 tons tons of rig. Capacity to stop is more than important, it is the most critical thing the driver has to do.

Maybe Jon can jot down for us what, in his professional opinion, that inspection should consist of???

[cvrvr]

Gotta_P

The WABCO is an acronym for Westinghouse Air Brake Co. They have been around for over 100 years.

George

[Gotta_P]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike The Meritor-Wabco 4 piston brake calipers use two pistons per side so pressure is directed against each disc brake pad to give even pressure from both sides of the caliper. The Bosch (and other pin-slide, 2-piston) calipers push from one side and use the dual pin-slide mechanism to maintain alignment of the opposite side for a backing pressure. Pin lubrication is important on those to keep from binding the pins which are a cantilevered "beam" that gets torqued each time the brakes are applied; too much friction & pins bind & you get uneven pressure of pad on disc. W/that said, no brake system is infallible. The Meritor calipers have been known to hang up, smoke the pads, etc., crack rotors from egregious sticking, etc. Although the vast majority of the time, the caliper will unstick on its own & a wheel-off inspection shows no damage was done. A regular, common sense, braking system inspection is a good idea when piloting 10 or 15 tons tons of rig. Capacity to stop is more than important, it is the most critical thing the driver has to do. Maybe Jon can jot down for us what, in his professional opinion, that inspection should consist of???

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvrvr Gotta_P The WABCO is an acronym for Westinghouse Air Brake Co. They have been around for over 100 years. George

Thanks guys! I appreciate the explanations and the help. Feels good knowing I have brakes from a company with over 100 years of experience! Of course Bosch is a very well know name in the automotive industry as well...