What to do if Brakes Start to Fail?

[golden]

Isn't there somewhere on this forum that tells you what to do if your brakes start to fail while on the road? I don't mean call someone, I mean what does a person do to slow down the RV, how long alongside the road, etc? I'm pretty sure I read there was a sticky somewhere, but I didn't see it.

[edgray]

golden: I don't see the sticky either, but here is a link to the "official" source of info from WCC:

Brake Recall Resource Center

I believe everything you seek is there.

Ed

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgray golden: I don't see the sticky either, but here is a link to the "official" source of info from WCC: Brake Recall Resource Center I believe everything you seek is there. Ed

I check that site at least weekly. Strangely enough, the only thing I found was to pull over if you sense a problem and it also mentioned some possible symptoms. I was looking for more, but maybe there isn't more. Also, what the heck is a "wheel end"? It sounds counter intuitive to me as a wheel is generally round. However, it obviously exists, I just don't know where.

FWIW, I've never had a problem, nor do I expect any but it's always reassuring to know what to do if a problem occurs.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden I was looking for more, but maybe there isn't more. Also, what the heck is a "wheel end"?

There are 4 wheel ends and typically is all the stuff that is found on the outboard of each axle. All the stuff on the "wheel end" may exhibit elevated temperatures in the event of a seizure.

[Topflite51]

A quality prayer probably wouldn't hurt.

[Dagwood]

To stop in an emergency with a very soft pedal I would downshift all the way while pumping the brakes and slowly set the parking brake. JMO

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dagwood To stop in an emergency with a very soft pedal I would downshift all the way while pumping the brakes and slowly set the parking brake. JMO

Here's my technique; To stop in an emergency with a very soft pedal I would downshift all the way while pumping the brakes as rapidly as I could. Setting the parking brake while moving would not be my preferred thing to do unless it were absolutely the last option. In most circumstances where a driver is going to realize that he has no brakes, there may not be any time to set the parking brake. I believe that rapidly pumping the brakes may restore some functionality and I would pursue that more than the distraction to set the parking brake. Your opinion may vary!

[Chuck 1935]

And after all the pumping, praying and down shifting, don't forget to change your shorts !!!

[RocketDork]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935 And after all the pumping, praying and down shifting, don't forget to change your shorts !!!

Then come here and gripe about it!

[Romeo]

... What does it cost to be pulled out of the escape ramp?

[RVhauler]

Would save emg brake until was slowed down as they do not have the stopping capacity of regular brakes and will burn out quickly. If possible steer the right hand wheels onto the grassy shoulder or what ever to ever put added drag on the RV/car. other than that all previous advice is excellent. Been there/done that. (fortunately was in a car and no traffic around) Will elevate blood pressure/heart beat considerable

[Captain Bud]

I have been quiet for awhile, but I must vent on this post. Does anyone realize that tomorrow will be Sept. 1, 2010 and a poster is asking what to do if he has a brake failure? This whole DEBACLE would have made great TV on The Learning Channel to show corporate irresponsibility and arrogance.
WHEN are we going to get a resolution or at least more information on this situation.

Now I am off to get my Brake system flushed and checked so I can have a little peace of mind on my trips.

[JayGee]

I have a P32 chassis and not a candidate for the brake problems of the W22 but....
I have wondered about what I would do if my brakes failed. I have no "emergency" brake but have the yellow button for parking. I imagine that it would wreak havoc on the drive train if I were to engage that thing while moving ( if it would even engage).

I guess I would have no choice other than to gear down, keep pumping the pedal, and look for something soft to hit.

[FloraBama]

Don't forget about your TOAD. Like most here I have a aux brake in my GMC truck pulled behind the MH and I would expect those brakes to assist in stopping.

In the case with my brake system (Plug n Play) pumping the brakes would not set the brake in the TOAD; It needs the power from the brake light and the inertia (sp) of stopping.