Terrible shudder and noise when backing

[JMonroe]

This has happened twice now, albeit the last time was over a year ago.

When backing, after having been parked for a few days, the brakes make a horrible groaning noise and the entire rig shudders. Moving forward, all is normal, as is backing up the next time, after reaching our destination.

What's going on?

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by JMonroe

This has happened twice now, albeit the last time was over a year ago.

When backing, after having been parked for a few days, the brakes make a horrible groaning noise and the entire rig shudders. Moving forward, all is normal, as is backing up the next time, after reaching our destination.

What's going on?

Same thing happens in cars after sitting ... especially in rainy weather or morning dew. Typically, the brake drum/disk surface and sometimes pivot points have rusted (overnight) and as soon as the vehicle is moved a few feet and the brakes applied the rust particles will fall off and everything becomes smooth and quiet. Occasionally it can mean some pivots should be lubed, sometimes a slightly warped drum/rotor ... usually it's just not a problem.

[94-Newmar]

Most likely it's being caused by the brake pad/shoe material used. Some types are more prone making a lot of noise due to temperature changes and moisture. Since 99.999% of your braking is done while moving forward the pads are 'worn' to that direction, and going the opposite of the wear pattern will cause noise - especially during exceptionally humid or cold conditions. Additionally, since so many us rely on our exhaust brakes to slow us down, our service brakes rarely get an opportunity to become properly heated up and surfaced well to the drum or disc. This results in junk buildup on the face of the brake shoe/pad which will cause noise as you describe also. To clear this up, I occasionally, from 60mph or so will do a "panic stop", with nobody else around of course, without the use of the exhaust brake to help clean the surface of the shoes.

[wa8yxm]

Describe "Rig" (MH or Truck & Trailer) if MH disc brakes or Drum (Also the parking brake)

Sometimes epically on drum brakes, they won't fully release if backing up.. The fix. Pull forward about a foot or two and then back up.

[JMonroe]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Describe "Rig" (MH or Truck & Trailer) ...

That is why I include a description of our rig in my signature, and I encourage others to do the same.

Thank you, and the rest of you, for your replies.

I've certainly experienced rusted over discs/drums in my cars/trucks over the years, but nothing that would approach the noise and shuddering from the motorhome brakes.

Should it happen again, I'll try the drive forward method to see if that works.

[Papa_Jim]

Our brakes do the same thing. Always after it has been parked for at least a little while.

[WesinRockies]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

The fix. Pull forward about a foot or two and then back up.

Works most of the time for me.

[The Driver]

Originally Posted by JMonroe

That is why I include a description of our rig in my signature, and I encourage others to do the same....

Sigs don't appear in the Android app...

[Budwizer]

My front brakes do the same thing. It can be embarrassing at times. Has anyone ever fixed the problem by changing the brake shoes?

[JMonroe]

Originally Posted by The Driver

Sigs don't appear in the Android app...

I know many use the smart phone apps, including at least one of our moderators.

All I can say is, y'all must have very small fingers. LOL! I just get frustrated trying to type on my phone.

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by JMonroe

I know many use the smart phone apps, including at least one of our moderators. All I can say is, y'all must have very small fingers. LOL! I just get frustrated trying to type on my phone.

One of our moderators uses an iPhone. Really ?