What type of brakes on my 2001 P 32?

[Dmiles]

I still can't believe I was lucky enough to have the chassis made by Workhorse that is not in the recall. Usually my luck runs just the opposite.

I am concerned as to what type of brakes I have. I bought the 2001 - 2004 Workhorse Brake Systems classroom manual, but it has nothing in it specific to 2001 - 2004 Workhorse Brakes! It's just general information about how hydralic brake systems work.

Does anybody know what type of brakes I have? Are they made by Bosch? Do they have the plastic pistons that are the reason for the W chassis recall? And most importantly, does anyone know where I can get more information about my brakes without shelling out $300 for the set of shop manuals?

As always, thanks for any info you can offer.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmiles As always, thanks for any info you can offer.

P Series Motorhomes use the Bosch Hydro-Boost braking system. You can read about your brakes in the FREE downloadable Chassis Guide which can be accessed through our stickies at the top of our forum.

The P Series aren't the only vehicles not subject to the recall there's the W16, W18, W24, UFO and the R-Series which are not involved.

[Breezeman]

Just wanted to chime in here. As I was "crawling" around under my RV installing my new KONI shocks, I noticed that my brakes calipers have BENDIX stamped on them. So question is, Are my brakes the "good" ones or the "bad" ones. I haven't had any problems yet with brakes. I flushed and replaced brake fluid a few months ago just as pre-caution, I guess. Everything else "looks" good.
Only had RV for 2 years but just have been reading all about these brake problems and a little concerned but have not seen anything relating to the BENDIX brakes.

Happy trails to all,
Larry

[max49]

I'd be interested to know if Bosch makes the brakes on my P-32 also, and if it had steel or the plastic pistons.
My chassis manual does'nt say who makes the brakes or what the components are made of. No wonder they are called Workhorse brakes.
I would imagine the P-32 has Chevrolet brakes. Altho they are not being recalled, they are not the greatest brakes. Mine takes an a lot of foot pressure to stop. I don't want to find out how much foot pressure it would take if the 'hydro boost' or 'power assist' would go out.

[Breezeman]

Mine takes an a lot of foot pressure to stop. I don't want to find out how much foot pressure it would take if the 'hydro boost' or 'power assist' would go out.

Hey Max,

I will tell you when my RV shut down going down I-75, I had NO brakes and steering was HARD. I was pushing pedal hard and nothing. I just got in emegency lane and coasted about a mile before I stopped. Pretty scary feeling not being in control.

Larry

[max49]

Breezeman, Why did it shutdown? Did you still have 12 volts keeping the autopark from applying? If I turn off the key, the autopark slams on. I thought we were supposed to still have power assist brakes for a brake pump or 3 after the engine shuts off. My cars and pick ups do?
It's when the manufacturers don't police themselves that forces government regulations. You'd think there would be some kind of safety system built in, so you can still stop if the engine shuts down.
I wonder if Ford motorhomes brakes completely go out in the event of an engine failure. I'm beginning to see why GM did'nt want the P-32 any more. I bet they don't miss the brainstorm 'autopark' either.
I bet, especially with all the WH problems, Ford could easily take over this RV market if they wanted to.

I guess it's good that not many are familiar with the P-32 brakes, I would assume they have steel pistons. I don't know if any one really knows for sure if they are made by Bosch, Bendix, GM or who. Actually not many people know who make the brakes on their car or truck either.

When you google Bosch you get appliances, sparkplugs, power tools, security systems etc, but no brakes on the 1st page.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by max49 No wonder they are called Workhorse brakes.

Max, No such thing! Workhorse does not have any type of facility in which to make brakes. I pulled some information out of the Workhorse Chassis Guide, do you have one? It shows all the different brake systems for the different weight chassis. There are 4 different types of brake systems for the P series depending on GVW.

[max49]

Come on Driver, If Ford decides to install brakes they are Ford brakes, they're basicly married. Auto parts stores want to know "What year and make of vehicle", not who made the brakes.

I thought I had a chassis manual, but all I can find about different brakes is that
JB8 Brake travel is 3.5"
JF9 6.0"
JLP JM8 JM6 2.5" ( if on a W series, max. brake pedal travel is 8.3"

I have no idea, why we need to know that. How would you check your total brake travel unless someone opened a bleeder while you measured the pedal travel distance.

I must not have the manual you have. What are the 4 different brake systems on the P-32. Which one is on the 18,000 LB P-32?
Thanks
PS Is your manual paper or electronic? I have both but I don't think it's in my paper one either. I'll try to double check tomorrow.

[Breezeman]

Hey Max,

I dont have the autopark brake on mine. (That I know of)

Mine shut down because of fuel pump issues. I replaced fuel pump just this past weekend. Hopefully that issue is solved. One of filters on fuel pump was about 80% clogged.

Last year I had the "famous" igniton switch failure. When it shut down then, same thing, no power steering or brakes. Very nerve wracking experience. Replaced ignition switch and added the ignition switch relay, so hopefully that issue is solved now.

So, I'm guessing I dont have the autopark feature.

Larry

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by max49 Come on Driver, If Ford decides to install brakes they are Ford brakes, they're basically married. Auto parts stores want to know "What year and make of vehicle", not who made the brakes.

Max, The calipers housing are NOT going to be stamped Ford on their motorhome chassis calipers because they are using Bosch brakes. I just don't know how to express that any other way. I don't expect that you can buy brakes for an F-Series Super Duty RV Chassis caliper off the shelf at a retail parts store. Heck I couldn't even buy a radiator cap at Auto Zone or Advance.

That said, and just like Workhorse Ford will using their part number system like FBZ whatever and Workhorse ID's their parts with a W00 etc. FCCC will also have unique part number for the Bosch caliper they are using on FRED. Regardless none these companies make the calipers except Bosch.

Quote:

PS Is your manual paper or electronic? I have both but I don't think it's in my paper one either. I'll try to double check tomorrow.

I do have a complete service manual electronically plus I have additional web and eMail based resources. I even have a couple of the old P-Series Chassis Guides that I recently found however most of that stuff is in the 2006 CG.